Python VS NodeJs: A Detailed Comparison 2021

Fig1: A Detailed Comparison in 2021 by Digikull

When it comes to selecting which programming language or run time

environment is best to learn as part of your education or in a project, it leaves most
people in a dilemma. Most beginners are stuck in the situation of knowing which
language would help them succeed more in their careers. What we need to keep in
mind is that both these types of programming languages have their own set of
features and advantages that can help a project do really well. It is based on these
ideas that you can decide what is best for you.

If you are looking for a career in this field, a fun outlet of creativity, a hobby, or
just enhancement of your skills, Python and NodeJs are two things that you would
want to get your hands on! There is no right or wrong here as to which one would be the
best for your skills, as overall development is more important.

As a beginner, choosing which programming language is best for you will

depend on a few things like the advantages the language provides, the projects you
choose to work on, who you would like to work for, and how easy the programming
language actually is. That’s for Python. And when it comes to NodeJs, you just need to
know what will help you build the smoothest and best software for your application.

All of these criteria are important when it comes to building an application or

website. Keeping these fresh ideas in mind, let us go on to look at these two vital
organs of the software development system- Python and NodeJs so that you can
decide which one you’d like to jump into for your future endeavors!

Let us first take a look at what NodeJs and Python really are?
What is NodeJs?

Fig2: Features of NodeJs

NodeJs is a server-side platform on Google Chrome’s JavaScript engine.

With it, you can create real-time apps that are dependent on databases and can run
across a pool of devices. All its applications are written in JavaScript. It is used to run
server applications and can be run on operating systems like OS X, Linux, and
Microsoft.

NodeJs is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment

that is a popular software for any kind of project! NodeJs runs the V8 JavaScript
engine, the core of Google Chrome, outside of the browser. This allows it to be
high-performing.

A Node.js app runs in a single process and does not create a new thread for
every request. NodeJs provides a set of asynchronous I/O primitives in its standard
library. This prevents JavaScript code from blocking.

What can you do with NodeJs?

It is most prominently used as a backend framework with a version 8 Javascript

engine providing maximum efficiency to the NodeJs codes. It is versatile as it can be
used for backend and frontend development through the efficient building of scalable
Javascript applications. What we need to keep in mind is that, unlike Python, NodeJs
is a run time environment, while Python is a programming language.

Libraries in NodeJs are written with non-blocking paradigms. It makes blocking

behavior a norm, not an exception. When NodeJs performs an I/O operation, for
example: reading from a network, accessing a database or the filesystem, NodeJs
resumes its operations when a response comes back. These features allow it to take
care of so many concurrent connections with just a single server without introducing
the burden of managing thread concurrency, which is a huge source of activating bugs.

Features and Advantages of using NodeJs:

Fig3: Advantages of NodeJs

● NodeJs is based on a single-threaded model and event looping. This kind of

event mechanism is advantageous for the server to respond in a non-blocking
manner.

● NodeJs is developed with the V8 JavaScript Engine, literally making it the

fastest code execution library.
 ● There is no buffering involved in NodeJs as applications output the data piece by
piece.

● It is compatible with cross-platform and is self-reliant in execution.

● If you are well-versed with JavaScript, then NodeJs will be just a cakewalk. You
can use the same language for backend and frontend development.

● It facilitates quick deployment and microservice development which is

preferred by most companies these days as they can get their product out into
the market as quickly as possible.

● NodeJs is definitely scalable which most companies prefer. It looks after

concurrent requests and can split the software horizontally.

● It can process data in a simultaneous nature, and the output delivered is based
on the user’s inputs.

● It offers an extensive global community outreach as it is an open course network.

● Node package manner (NPM) is a dynamic database of tools that developers

can use for app and web development.

Usage of NodeJs:

We now know that NodeJs is a run-time environment that is built on JavaScript

which helps to build network applications that are highly scalable in nature. It
incorporates an event-driven, non-blocking I/O, which makes it the best option
available to develop data-intensive and real-time applications. It is a prominent
solution for developing chat apps or messaging apps. For heavy load apps or
e-commerce sites, NodeJs is the best although it depends on the speed of processing.

The apps that are most suitable for NodeJs are:

● I/O bound applications

● Data streaming applications
● Data-intensive and real-time applications (DIRT)
● JSON APIs based applications
● Single-page applications
Popular Use Cases:

NodeJs has been a part of the following renowned projects:

● LinkedIn uses Node.js for scalability and performance gains from its efficient

nature.

● PayPal loves Node.js as it allows them to service over 200 million users across

virtually every currency without any slurs.

● Uber runs on Node.js for its scalability and the ability to handle so many requests

without breaking apart.

What is Python?

Fig3: Python Programming Language

The second most popular language on GitHub and one of the most popular
languages for machine learning, Python has really been doing the rounds since its
development. It is one of the best tools or programming languages for backend and
frontend development. It can be used for all kinds of projects as it is purpose and
object-oriented as a programming language. It supports a variety of programming
spectrums and is one of the best types of languages you should learn.

Python has a well-built syntax and functions with dynamic typing which makes it
one of the best languages for scripts. It sanctions many varied programming
patterns, with object-oriented programming, functional programming, and
procedural styles. Python is simply an interpreted language that states that it runs at
runtime and then converts into a computer-readable code.

What can you do with Python?

With Python, you can develop apps for desktop, web, and mobile. It comes with
an exhaustive set of libraries and packages that help to ease development. The flexible
and convenient nature of Python makes it a suitable option for backend development,
making it stand on a pedestal for the most used and popular programming language
in the world.

Python being universal in nature can be used for the development of different
kinds like AI, big databases, backend and frontend development, automation, and
scientific computing processes. Most developers use it for complex projects that involve
a whole lot of data, complicated calculations, and involvement of automation and AI.

Features and Advantages of using Python:

 Fig4: Advantages of using Python programming language

● It accepts a low-level module inclusion for the Python interpreter. These modules
allow programmers to add tools or customize them.

● Python gives interfaces for all major commercial databases.

● Python can support structured and functional programming methods.

● It gives out high-level dynamic data types and props dynamic type
checking.

● It can be easily integrated with C, C++, COM, ActiveX, CORBA, and Java.

● It is a very easy language for beginners to write, read and understand.

● It is an interpreted language and displays the errors when you’re typing the line.

● It is not a static language but highly dynamic in nature, unlike Java. It follows a
duck typing method.

● It has packages and modules in a large space open library which is one of its
important features.

● Python is embeddable and extensible with GUI support.

● While C++ is mid-level, Python is high-level. It is easy to figure out and does not
require a lot of memory work.

Usage of Python:

Python has an extensive library of open-source data analysis tools, web

frameworks, and testing instruments. Thus it involves an ecosystem of the largest
programming community to ever exist. It is definitely an accessible, easy language for
new programmers. Introductory resources are also available for it. It is taught in many
universities and colleges and is used for working with friendly devices for starters like
Raspberry Pi.

The apps that are most suitable for Python are:

 ● E-commerce sites.
● Educational apps.
● Apps that involve a huge database.
● Web and internet development.
● Business applications.
● Desktop GUIs.

Popular Use Cases:

Python has been a part of the following renowned projects:

● Instagram for backend service

● Google has been using Python since the beginning

● Spotify for backend services and data analysis

● Netflix uses Python as their developers are a huge fan of the programming

language. Sounds cool right?

Now that we have a basic background understanding of Python as well as

NodeJs, let us compare the two software processes based on different criteria!
This will help you gain a better understanding of the competitors.
 Fig5: Python vs NodeJs- Which is better?

1. Speed and Performance:

Python is slower as compared to NodeJs because NodeJs has multi-threading which
Python does not. It processes everything in a single thread. Due to the V8 Java
Engine, NodeJs has really shot up with its speed and efficient performance. To create
real-time web solutions, you should most definitely go for NodeJs as it naturally is a
better deliverable!

2. Technology:

Python involves up-to-date and trendy technology options like machine learning, IoT,
and Data Science. MicroPython is a small-sized variant of Python that is used for IoT.
Although NodeJs can be used to build IoT, it is more common and suitable for web
apps. It totally depends on you as a programmer and your project as a whole, to know
which software you would like to incorporate.

3. Architecture:

NodeJs has a single-thread event loop architecture that can be connected to the
non-blocking feature of NodeJs which can take care of concurrent connections of
different numbers without switching context. Python does not have any built-in support
of this kind and needs special features to make this possible. Thus, NodeJs would be a
better solution for architectural-based projects.

4. Syntax:

You can get more through a few lines of coding of Python syntax. It does not involve
curly brackets, which makes it easy to debug and analyze. Thus, it is called a
beginner-friendly programming language as it is easy to understand and read. On
the other hand, NodeJs is also very similar and easy to work with if you are well versed
with JavaScript.

5. Universality:

NodeJs and Python can be both used for backend as well as front-end software
development. They are both versatile and flexible in nature to adapt to the two. Python
can be used for desktop and web development and NodeJs for cross-platform apps,
IoT, web, and mobile apps. They are both wonderful options in this case scenario.

6. Scalability:

Python does not have enough scalability which is a big drawback. It is definitely a slow
programming language and does not have multithreading options. The runtime codes
make it impossible for Python to have good scalability. NodeJs is very naturally
scalable as it has perfect runtime with cluster modules. It can handle the entire power
of a database or machine. It has strategies like cloning, splitting, and decomposing
which make it easy to manage.
 Fig6: Python vs NodeJs: Which one is better

7. Extensibility:

Python is extensible through frameworks like Django, web2py, and Flask. Extending
features for C and C++ are also available. Jython a variety of Java Python make
scripting easier and enables rapid application development. If Python has extensive
frameworks, so does NodeJs with Derbyjs, Koajs, and Hapijs. All enable smooth
application development.

8. Handling Errors:

Python has a compact syntax which makes it easy to find the bugs and debug them.
People also have a common understanding that Python is easier when it comes to
handling errors as compared to NodeJs. But NodeJs can handle errors in the same
way Python can through debugging and many options that provide easy ways to get rid
of the errors.

9. Libraries:

Pip is the default package installer for Python that takes care of the packages and
libraries. Python has more than 200 thousand packages through a range of different
topics and categories to choose from. NodeJs has a node package manager with 1.3
million packages which definitely beats Pip at taking the crown for libraries.

10. Community:

Python being popular and common among programmers has a huge community to be
a part of. You can post queries and get advice from the best of the best in this
community. You can connect with top developers and learn some of the best-in-class
tactics to programming in Python. NodeJs also has a team of a friendly and active
group of developers, who will help you whenever required with packages and career
development.

What should you choose in 2021? Python or NodeJs?

Both Python and NodeJs are crucial in their own individual setups and are
important organs of the web development and software development world.
Programmers have their preferences when it comes to using both the software,
depending on the project they take up, and what would cater better to the needs of a
client. They have their own pros and cons that should be weighed before deciding on
one specific software to work with. At the end of the day, it is you who decides what the
best programming language is for you to incorporate into your career. Define the
primary functional requirements first, and you’re good to go!

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