When referring to two significant backend technologies that drive web applications, Node.js and PHP come to mind. While PHP contributes to server-side development, Node.js servers both client-side and server-side development. Before Node.js, JavaScript was solely used to build frontend and PHP for the server side. But where does Node.js come from, and why are we comparing it with PHP?
In 2009, JavaScript’s revolutionary backend technology came into the picture that disrupted the web development market. It was none other than Node.js. Since then, Node.js has been expanding remarkably fast for its full-stack development capabilities, and the face-off between Node.js and PHP has started in the developer community regarding which of them is better. So, if you’re making an app, which one (PHP or Node.js) should you choose for your next project’s server-side development? To determine which is better for your next project, you must delve deep into the features, characteristics, and benefits of these website creation technologies, Node.js and PHP.
Additionally, while drawing comparisons between the two is essential for your project’s backend development, don’t forget to factor in the skilled developers’ value. This is where the role of offshore PHP developers can be pivotal in delivering a successful web application. Their expertise, wide range of skills, and experience levels make them well-equipped to handle complex projects with proficiency. Without further ado, let’s understand both web technologies by reviewing their characteristics, pros, and cons.
What is Node.js?
Node.JS is a backend JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript outside a web browser. Using the V8 JS engine, it delivers fast, scalable, and responsive high-performance apps. Thanks to its non-blocking, asynchronous nature, it has the power to handle multiple requests simultaneously, making it ideal for building real-time applications and data-intensive projects.
Node.js provides access to a rich library of modules which simplifies development for coders, making it easy for them to use existing solutions for common tasks. Node.JS further simplifies the development by enabling developers to create server and client sides of the app using one language, JavaScript. In addition to its excellent backend capabilities, Node.js can be integrated with other technologies, including databases and servers, making it a versatile technology useful for a wide range of products.
Top Benefits of Using Node.js to Build Applications
Shorter time to market
Node.js uses a single programming language, JavaScript, to build the application’s front and back end. With this code shareability, you don’t need to switch context between different programming languages, speeding up development time and debugging. Additionally, Node.js’s event-driven Asynchronous nature handles multiple concurrent requests, reduces wait times, and speeds up the app’s performance.
Build apps with real-time experience
Using Node js, developers can build applications with real-time experience and streaming, such as gaming platforms, chat applications, and collaborative tools. By using the event-driven architecture of Node.js, developers can build high-performance interactive applications while reducing their development time.
JSON Support
Unlike popular backend technologies like PHP and Ruby on Rails, Node.js does not require JSON format for communication. Instead, it uses JavaScript for communication without converting between binary models. Thereby easing the development of RESTful APIs for NoSQL database support like MongoDB. Moreover, JavaScript’s easy data transfer connectivity with data transfer standards ends up boosting the app’s efficiency.
Quick implementation of Changes
Node.JS runs on a single thread, event-driven architecture that allows for efficient handling of large numbers of concurrent connections without slowing down. This means the app doesn’t sleep but remains available for other requests. As a result, developers can implement changes to the app in a shorter stretch of time. Besides the event-driven model and distributed app infrastructure, MonogoDB’s flexible data storage capabilities help developers make timely app adjustments, meeting fluctuating business needs.
On the other hand, PHP may face help in handling millions of simultaneous connections at once due to its synchronous nature. This causes new requests to wait until the current request is executed, leading to longer response times.
Leverage Existing JavaScript skills with Full Stack Development
Node.js is an attractive option for developers as they can seamlessly leverage their existing JavaScript skills for frontend and backend development using Js code. It means developers with expertise in JavaScript can transition to the backend using Node.js without learning a new language for server-side development. Also, Full-stack JavaScript development allows developers to reuse code and modules between the front and backend, leading to quicker development times and more maintainable code.
Additionally, Node.js robust ecosystem of a wide range of prebuilt tools, libraries, and frameworks accelerates the development process, saving time and effort in building scalable web applications.
Possible Cons of Node.JS as a Back-end Technology
- Unable to process intense calculations: Node.js uses a single-threaded event loop to manage all incoming requests. It doesn’t provide native support for multi-threaded programming, which makes it less suitable for CPU-bound tasks, such as complex calculations, cryptographic tasks, and data processing. However, Node.js is well suited for handling asynchronous I/O operations and concurrency.
- Callback hell: Callback hell, also known as the pyramid of doom, is one of the greatest challenges of Node.js that emerges when multiple asynchronous operations are nested within another. Callbacks on several levels create a hard-to-read code, making it even harder to maintain and debug.
Now that you know Node.js and its pros and cons, it’s time to switch to PHP. Here you go…
What is PHP?
PHP: As per W3Tech Survey report, about 76.9% of websites rely on PHP for their backend development. This open-source server-side scripting language doesn’t require any introduction as it has already garnered much attention from the web development industry since its launch in 1994. Web developers also widely use it for Content Management Systems like WordPress, Drupal, WooCommerce, and Shopify. This general-purpose backend technology has a massive PHP community of developers and users. It offers developers a wealth of resources in terms of tutorials and plugins, helping them build robust applications.
Pros of Using PHP in a Web Application
Supports a Wide Range of Databases
PHP supports many databases, with MySQL being the most popular choice among developers. Other database management systems compatible with PHP include mSQL, MS-SQL, SQLite, PostgreSQL, and more. Additionally, PHP is well suited to non-relational databases like Elasticsearch, Redis, MongoDB, and others, enabling developers to choose the most optimal database for their future app as needed.
High Grade of Versatility
PHP offers developers a high grade of versatility to handle a broad spectrum of projects. They can develop various applications using PHP, including web applications, eCommerce platforms, content management systems (CMS), APIs, and more.
Great security and flexibility
PHP helps create a highly secure code that offers good data protection. Besides, it can be used with various servers (Apache, iPlanet, Netscape, etc.) and databases (MongoDB, MySQL, and others). Also, it works across different platforms, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, etc., allowing you to adjust to changes and stay competitive.
Higher Page Load Speed to boost customer retention rates
PHP’s quick data processing features contribute to faster page load times, bringing a competitive advantage. Users abandon websites that take too long to load. PHP-powered apps load pages swiftly, thus keeping your customers satisfied and helping you retain the client base.
Massive Developer Community
PHP’s vast active developer community provides access to a plethora of resources, third-party libraries and tools to developers. This support network provides guidance for improvement, troubleshooting, and enable rapid development
Cons of PHP as a Backend Technology
Prolonged testing activities
PHP lacks efficient error handling as compared to Node. It needs to offer a wide variety of debugging tools that aid in determining bugs, which makes it more error-prone. Finally, this leads to a delayed quality assurance process and increased errors.
Comparison Table for Node js vs. PHP
| Features | Node.js | PHP |
| Code | More code | Less Code |
| Speed | Faster due to asynchronous execution | Slower due to Synchronous execution |
| Performance | High due to the concurrency feature | Improved with PHP7, but Node.js is still better |
| Scalability | High | Scalable with optimizations |
| Community | Relatively Small but rapidly growing | Larger, established community |
| Popularity | Growing | Established |
| Use Cases | High-traffic websites, Real-time apps | Small to medium websites and apps. Enterprise solutions |
| Architecture | Event-driven Non-Blocking | Request response |
Conclusion
There is no clear winner between Node.JS and PHP, as both technologies offer unique advantages. Node.js is good for developing real-time apps, data-intensive projects, and SPAs using React, Angular, and jQuery. You may pick Node.js for real-time data synchronization on your application. On the other hand, PHP is a preferred choice for a wide range of web development projects. From personal blogs to complex PHP-powered eCommerce websites and CMS (WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal), relational databases, dynamic web pages, social networking sites, to forums and community websites, web services, and APIs, PHP is a versatile scripting language with ample use cases.
However, to choose the best-fit technology, you must consider your project requirements, such as the kind of web application you need, database support and integration needs, and the hosting & security needs. If you’re still confused about which technology to choose, it would be ideal to hire Node.js developers for Node.js specific projects or hire PHP developers for PHP specific projects.