Node.js vs Python: Which Backend Technology to choose in 2021?
Mayank Patel
Oct 16, 2021
3 min read
Last updated Apr 18, 2024
Table of Contents
Architecture
Libraries & Dev Tools
Performance
Scalability
Share
Contact Us
Developers cannot decide on any backend technology depending on their choice because it must be as per the demand of the project. While planning for web app development, it may be possible that you find Node.JS beneficial for the project.
On the other hand, there are many other web development services that demand Python. Hence depending on the project demand, developers choose the required backend and front technology.
The ultimate aim is to execute the project on time by meeting the complete requirement.
In this blog, we will compare Node.JS Vs. Python for backend technology on various parameters. As a result, you will get to know which one is better and when. See, nothing can always be good or bad.
The same applies to these technical aspects as well. So let’s analyze Node.JS Vs. Python and see which is better.
Architecture
Architecture is one of the important parameters that is always considered while choosing any backend technology. Hence, Architecture is our first parameter based on which we will compare Node.JS vs. Python.
Node.JS: The architecture of Node.JS is event-driven that further supports input and output. On execution of any event, the invoked program makes sure that no program should stop the running thread. Also, there is no need for resources and memory in Node.JS, because here, a single thread can handle multiple requests.
Python: The architecture of Python is completely different from Node.JS. With the implementation of certain tools, the technology can be made asynchronous event-driven. With the module “asyncio”, one can write the asynchronous code. Also, there is some extra effort is required because most of the frameworks of Python do not have this feature.
Conclusion
If we focus on Architecture, here Node.JS will be preferred over Python.
Libraries & Dev Tools
Now we will compare the technologies based on their libraries and dev tools.
Node.js: If we work on Node.js, we get well-structured and comprehensive libraries through Node Package Manager. Moreover, the technology becomes more advantageous because of 350,000 packages and it is the world’s largest repository of packages.
Python: Pip Installs Packages (PIP) manage the Python libraries. Few libraries are properly documented and their deployment is simple. As technology evolves, the new libraries are not structured and documented as expected.
Conclusion
Hence based on libraries and development tools, Node.JS becomes the choice.
Performance:
Node.JS Vs Python performance has been analyzed here and a final conclusion is drawn for better performance. Hence if you are planning for web app development, keep this parameter in mind.
Node.JS: The speed of Node.JS is phenomenal and this is the reason for which Node.JS gets preference. Here, the JavaScript is converted via the V8 engine and hence its speed becomes outstanding. Also, Node.JS executes code outside of your browser as a result of which the application utilizes lesser resources. It also enhances the performance of the application.
Python: As we know, JavaScript and Python are interpretive programming languages and they are a little slow in comparison to Node.JS. Also, Python is a single-flow programming language and hence the handling of requests is not as fast as Node.JS. Request handling process is a little sluggish in Python.
Based on the performance, Node.JS wins here. It is fine, Python is simple to understand but speed is the concern here. So if performance is the parameter, the web application development services should go with Node.JS.
Scalability:
Now the comparison of Python and Node.JS is done on the basis of their scalability. So let’s have a look.
Node.JS: Here, the developers will have the flexibility to create a collection of microservices. Each module will use the compact system and also execute its individual operations. Also, one can add any new module anytime that makes the system more flexible and agile. Moreover, Node.JS has more alternatives if we compare it with Python.
Python: In order to scale a program, multithreading is mandatory which is not permitted in Python. Although, Python has the libraries for multithreading they are not real. Here, only one thread runs at the given time as per GIL (Global Interpreter Lock).
Conclusion
When scalability comes, Node.JS should be given preference for web app development.
Final Conclusion
As we have stated earlier, the selection of any technology or programming language is completely dependent upon the requirement of the project and the expectation of the client.
Being leading software development company, Linearloop always recommends analyzing the requirement properly. Afterward, you should select the best-suited backend technology that can either be Python or Node.JS. Let us know if you are looking to know more.
Still unsure which is right for you?
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Mayank Patel
CEO
Mayank Patel is an accomplished software engineer and entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Engineering, earned in 2013.
Explore the list of top Python IDE tools that you can learn more about:
1. PyCharm: PyCharm is a robust and fully-featured IDE that is developed by JetBrains and is specifically designed for Python development. There are two versions of PyCharm available. One is the free community edition and the other one is the fully-featured professional edition that is paid. It is an IDE that can be used on operating systems (OS) like Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Features:
a) Intelligent Code Assistance: It offers some of the most advanced code completion, real-time error checking, and powerful refactoring tools.
b) Integrated Tools: PyCharm provides support for web development frameworks like Django, Flask, and database management.
c) Debugger and Test Runner: This IDE includes a graphical debugger and an integrated test runner to easily handle the code.
d) Version Control Integration: You can smoothly integrate PyCharm with Git, SVN, Mercurial, and other version control systems.
2. Spyder: Spyder is an open-source and free IDE that is designed to handle scientific computing and data analysis. It is also one of the most lightweight IDEs for Python development and it is also known as Scientific Python Development IDE. Spyder works smoothly with popular Python packages like NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib.
Features:
a) Variable Explorer: You can easily inspect different types of variables and data frames with user-friendly interfaces.
b) Integrated IPython Console: Use this functionality to execute the code more interactively and visualize final results.
c) Editor with Syntax Highlighting: You can enjoy its code completion and real-time analysis functionalities.
d) Plotting Support: It provides an inline plotting facility so that you can enjoy immediate data visualization of the code that you wrote.
3. Thonny: Thonny is an open-source, free, lightweight, and simple IDE that is specifically designed for developers who are learning Python. It also helps the developers to get insights into basic Python operations. Thonny is also known for providing a clean and straightforward interface with plenty of features to offer an easy learning curve.
Features:
a) Simple Interface: This IDE’s minimalist design ensures that it will reduce distractions while writing Python code.
b) Step-through Debugger: This functionality helps beginners to understand how code executes.
c) Variable Explorer: You can inspect different types of variables and their values during the execution of the code.
d) Syntax Highlighting: It provides basic syntax highlighting which helps to improve the readability of the code.
e) Built-In Python Shell: This IDE allows you to execute Python commands interactively.
4. Jupyter Notebook: Jupyter Notebook is an open-source web application that is mainly used for machine learning and data science. The developers prefer to use this IDE because it allows you to create and share documents containing live code, equations, visualizations, and narrative text.
Features:
a) Interactive Computing: You can execute the code in real time and see results instantly while using Jupyter Notebook IDE.
b) Rich Media: It provides support for embedding visualizations, equations, and other rich media.
c) Notebook Sharing: Now you can easily share notebooks via GitHub or any other platform.
d) Kernel Support: One of the main functionalities of this IDE is that it provides support for multiple programming languages through various kernels.
Code Editors Vs IDEs: Which is better?
Choosing between a code editor and an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) can be tough but it depends on your development requirements and preferences. Python code editors like Visual Studio Code (VS) and Sublime Text are fast and lightweight and offer some of the necessary features like syntax highlighting, code completion, basic debugging, etc. They are highly customizable and preferred choice for quick tasks, scripting, and smaller projects.
While Python IDEs like PyCharm and Spyder provide an all-inclusive set of tools like advanced debugging, integrated version control, project management features, and many more. They are the best choice to handle large and complex projects that can improve productivity by providing a flawless development environment.
The choice depends upon the complexity of your project and specific workflows but if you want a clean and fast tool for coding then Python code editors are perfect for you. However, if you want a robust environment with extensive features for large-scale development then Python IDE tools are an ideal option for you.
How Linearloop can help?
Expert Guidance: You can get professional advice on selecting the best Python IDE or code editor according to your specific requirements.
Customized Solutions: Get customized recommendations from us based on your project requirements and workflow preferences.
Setup Assistance: At Linearloop, we assist with installing and configuring your chosen IDE or code editor for the best performance.
Integration Support: We seamlessly integrate your IDE or code editor with other development tools and version control systems.
In order to ease the life of the developers, we are sharing the concrete comparison of both the frameworks on the basis of various parameters such as scalability, reliability, performance, architecture, etc.
So, guys, if you are searching for Hapi vs. Express 2021, here you go.
As we know, both the concepts are based on Node JS, and hence to decide which one is superior, needs an intelligent decisive approach.
Although they share lots of features in common there are some significant differences. On one side, Express needs middleware for the parsing of objects while Hapi does not need middleware to do so.
There are many such differences in Hapi and Express that we will learn in the coming sections. But before that, we are sharing an outline of both the technologies so that your fundamentals can be strong.
Overview of Express
Express is a server-side framework written in JavaScript. Further, it is open-source and part of MEAN, MERN, and MEVN stacks. Also, to facilitate smooth and fast web development, the framework offers middleware packages, routing features, template code, and plugins.
Apart from that, to make an application easily customized, Express JS allows third-part integrations of libraries along with required features. Also, when it comes to hire Express JS developers in India, Linearloop is your ultimate destination.
Moreover, we have developed and delivered many projects in Express JS for our overseas and Indian clients. Additionally, we offer complete support even when the project is delivered.
Because of our consistent approach and quality development, we became a leading Node JS development company in India.
As per the analytics, Express is the 10th most used and demanding framework. Also, approx. 193550 websites are developed using the framework.
Some prominent applications developed, using Express are Twitter, Uber, IMBD, Accuweather, etc.
Overview of Hapi
Hapi (Http API) as the name says, is a JavaScript framework that facilitates API development services for the servers. Most of the features are similar in Hapi and Express JS, yet they hold solid differences.
As far as Hapi is concerned, it comes with built-in authorization such as basic-auth, token-based, cookie-based authentication schemes.
One interesting thing about this Node JS framework, which you might not know, Walmart handles peak traffic of Black Friday sales with Hapi. Further, it provides client and server-side caching through catbox along with routing of API and web application.
Some popular applications developed in Hapi are Alphamantis, Modules, GetHuman, Octovis Liaison, PayDash, Postmile, MasteryJS, and Colonizers.
Comparison between Hapi and Express
Popularity:
On the parameter of popularity, Hapi and Express holds the data as mentioned
Platform
Hapi
Express
Stars at Github
13.4 K
53.8K
Users
21.6K
10.2M
Repositories
67
41
Contributors
209
262
Forks
1.3K
9.1K
So, by considering the above record, Express won the contest in terms of popularity because it has more stars and users as compared to Hapi. Further, the popularity of any framework is an influential factor because it defines the range of support available.
Performance:
Another parameter for Express Vs. Hapi 2021 is their performance and speed.
As per Fastify’s Hello World benchmark, Express executes 12268 requests per second whereas Hapi executes 27853 requests per second.
The rate of processing is more than double with the Hapi framework. We know the comparison is based on a simple “Hello World” example but, it is enough to differentiate the speed and performance of both technologies.
Architecture:
Architecture also plays an important role because it decides the flow of development. Hence, we will discuss the Architecture of both frameworks of Node JS.
Express does not have any defined architecture as a result of which developers get the flexibility to conduct their own flow for the development. However, MVC (Model-View-Controller) is the preferred architecture type for Express.
As far as Hapi is concerned, its approach is plugin-centric. Basically, it supports MVC architecture incorporates a plugin for the configuration of runtime through code.
If we talk about the final call, Express is a little less preferred. Also, both concepts are capable, extensible, and adaptable.
Support and Documentation:
The developer prefers any technology only when he or she gets complete support with proper documentation. So our next criteria for the comparison is their support and documentation.
The website of Express is minimal but still, it offers premium quality support. It shares all the required tutorials and resources that help the technical team. Further, here you will get a large range of communities for quick support.
As far as Hapi’s support and documentation are concerned, they also offer excellent support, and their documentation is amazing. Even beginners get proper help because their tutorials and other materials are easy to grasp.
So both the technologies are neck to neck in case of support and documentation.
Security:
Security is something that matters a lot because no one wants any breach with a client’s data. Hence we are comparing Express and Hapi on the basis of their level of security.
Actually, both frameworks offer the highest possible security in order to protect the application from external threats. We cannot select any one of them on the basis of security because both are ultimate.
So again, here is the tie. If only security is a concern, you can go for any of the technologies.
Comparison between Hapi and Express
Hapi Vs Express performance is mentioned above on the basis of certain parameters. Also, as we have said earlier, each technology has its own worth. And their selection is completely dependent upon the requirement of the project.
Further, Linearloop is one of the renowned Node JS development companies in India & the USA, and here we have experts of Express and Hapi. We choose specific technology by analyzing the demand of the project.
Being your reliable service partner, our ultimate aim is to deliver quality, focused, and result-oriented solutions.
Also, we collect minute details from clients, and after that, our experts go for the required technology. Further, you can check our portfolio for reference. So guys, if you are looking to hire Node JS developers in India, we are here for you.
Further, if you have any queries related to the Node JS framework or any other evolving technology, feel free to connect. We are always at our toes to assist you guys on priority.