Node.js vs Python Comparison: Which One is Ideal Backend Framework for Web Development

By Chandresh Patel

The backend is like the backbone of your product. So, choosing the right tech stack for your project is essential, but so are the related dilemmas. Recently, Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development has given a curious eye to product owners. In this blog post, let us briefly compare the two and help you make the right decision for your next project.

Performance and Speed

A faster backend reduces server response time and boosts page speed. It delivers a better Google ranking and user experience.

Node.js is faster as it uses the V8 engine to interpret codes with single module caching and event-driven architecture.

Python uses single-flow, meaning it executes statements one at a time as they appear on the screen, making it comparatively slower.

Scalability

Scalability is the most crucial factor when comparing Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development. Node.js is scalable both vertically and horizontally. It’s capable of handling many simultaneous connections with high data.

Scalability is a concern for Python because it lacks multi-threading support due to GIL. The imported libraries offer multi-threading but are not very efficient. It’s dynamically typed, which makes it unsuitable for large-scale projects.

Universality

Universality refers to convenience, and for Node.js vs Python for Backend Development, both are equally capable as both Node.js and Python support backend and frontend development and have cross-platform functionality. You can use both for web/desktop app development, but Python lacks mobile computing, so it is not used for Mobile app development.

Architecture

Architecture is a set of principles that shapes an app, so it must be followed by the language or the environment/framework; now comparing Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development.

Node.js can handle multiple requests with a single thread meaning the input-output functionality is not blocked during the process. It is event-driven and can run parallel processes, which speeds up the development process.

However, Python is synchronous and doesn’t support multithreading, so it entertains one process at a time. A few third-party apps fill this gap but are not as efficient as Node.js

Extensibility

Extensibility is the ability to extend the features and functionalities of a language or a framework via third-party tools, for Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development.

Node.js is easily customizable and extendable with built-in APIs for developing HTTP or DNS servers. Some examples of the tools and frameworks are Babel for front-end development, Log.io for Project Management, Jasmin for testing, and Webpack for module binding.

Python also has SublimeText for code editing, Flask for web development, Web2py for agile development of data-driven web apps, Django for backend development, and Robot for acceptance level testing, which makes both Node.js and Python equally capable.

Libraries and Tools

The NPM manages the libraries and packages of Node.js. With 350,000 packages, it is one of the biggest repositories of software libraries and is fast, well-documented, and easy to work with.

While PIP manages Python libraries, it is also fast, reliable, and well-documented but the new libraries lack well-documentation, reducing the reliability of new libraries. But, it doesn’t make much impact, so we can say both Node.js and Python have equally efficient Libraries and Tools.

Learning Curve and Syntax

‘Syntax’ is the efficiency of a language/programming environment to perform a set of functions with fewer lines of code. It can be done via packing operations into built-in functions. The learning curve is directly proportional to syntax simplicity.

Node.js is easy for those familiar with Java which can make Node.js a cakewalk for product owners. A few subjects are time-taking, like event-driven architecture, which immensely impacts performance.

While Python’s USP is its universality and easy syntax, it is an industry-wide fact that Python has fewer lines of code. It is also easy to write codes in Python.

Error Handling

For Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development, Node.js is great for efficient error management. It has a top-notch command for identifying exceptions during the code application.

But, Python has better error handling than Node.js because it requires less time to troubleshoot bugs and errors, which makes Python better than Node.js in this segment.

Community

Node.js is a mature, open-sourced language with a vast community. You can easily Hire Node.js developer and rely on peer support.

Python is somewhat older than Node.js and is also open-sourced. Python also has enormous community support. So, Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development are on equal grounds in this segment.

Use Cases

You can use Node.js for data-intensive projects or requires real-time information transmission, as it offers better data streaming efficiency. It is perfect for projects that need heavy client-side functionalities and firm resource utilization like Games, 3D Graphics, Chatbots, CMS, and E-commerce stores. Amazon, LinkedIn, Tumblr, PayPal, and Netflix use Node.js

Python’s robust troubleshooting, massive documentation, and extensive community make it ideal for DevOps and Testing Automation, Government Technical Projects, Big Data, Science & Engineering. Nasa, Reddit, Facebook, Google, Pixar, and Spotify use Python.

Wrap Up

After comparing Node.js vs Python for Backend Web Development, we can conclude that none of the two is a clear winner, but you can choose the correct backend based on your development needs and requirements. I hope this blog post is helpful to you in making a clear choice. But, if you wish to understand the topic better, Contact the Web Development Company who have expertise in backend web development such as Node.js, Python, Laravel, etc.

About the Author

Chandresh Patel is a CEO, Agile coach and founder of Bacancy Technology – Software Development Company. His truly entrepreneurial spirit, skillful expertise and extensive knowledge in the Agile software development services has helped the organization to achieve new heights of success. Chandresh is fronting the organization into global markets in a systematic, innovative and collaborative way to fulfill custom software development.