Is Node.js Killing Python and PHP? (Must Read for Developers)

When developing application software, a crucial decision you have to make is selecting the most appropriate technology stack, particularly the backend technology that would power your complete web/mobile application.

Unfortunately, that is not always a simple task because there are many different backend technological solutions you can opt for, with Node.js, PHP, and Python being the most popular ones. Each of the three technologies have distinctive qualities that help them shine in the technological sector.

Although PHP and Python have over the years been the most widely used backend programming languages that most organizations and development companies select, there are some who now believe that Node.js is replacing PHP and Python in today's highly disruptive technological environment.

With Node.js on the rise, there are others still who are unsure which of these three technologies to pick. We’ve created this analysis of Node.js, PHP, and Python to assist you in selecting the best backend platform for your projects.

What is Node.js?

Node. js is an open-source development platform for executing JavaScript code server-side. Developing web applications is made simpler by the vast library of JavaScript modules it offers.  

Numerous programmers find Node.JS more user-friendly since it allows them to write both the server and client sides of an application in the same language, JavaScript. In addition, Node.js also executes asynchronous code on the server. 

As a result, Node.js improves server speed by running asynchronous code, making it quicker and able to handle additional requests.

What is Python?

Python is a multi-purpose object-oriented software program frequently used to create software and websites, analyze data, and automate processes. It is not limited to the backend web as a result. 

Python is also used for purposes other than server programming. For instance, Python is commonly used to create algorithms for machine learning. 

In addition, Python may play various roles in web design, including numerical computation, connecting databases, transmitting data to and from services, URL routing, and much more.

What is PHP?

PHP is one of the top and most popular server-side programming languages worldwide, and also the most popular Node.js substitute.

PHP is a general-purpose language, which means it may be applied in different contexts. For example, HTML includes PHP code, which may be utilized with several content management systems, robust frameworks, and themes.

Personal Home Page was initially the full meaning of the language's acronym. Eventually, it became a recursive acronym for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor. 

Despite some criticisms of its architecture, PHP has emerged as one of the most widely used technologies for creating websites. 

Comparing Node.js, PHP, and Python 

Comparing and understanding the main characteristics and features of each of the three technology stacks will help you make clear distinctions between the technologies and aid you in identifying the right solution for your projects.

Here are the main characteristics of each of these three technologies:

Node.js Key Features

The most crucial features of Node.js are listed below: -

• Node.js runs just one thread at a time. It is built on an architecture known as the Single Threaded Event which can manage several customer queries.
• NodeJS is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS X, and mobile devices.
• With NodeJs, programmers can create front-end and back-end applications using the same coding language.
• NodeJS is a simple technology that helps with quicker app development and deployment.
• NodeJs deals well with scalability issues.

PHP Key Features

The most notable features of PHP are: -

• PHP does not demand the inclusion of libraries like C does.  With so many built-in functions, PHP is straightforward to optimize.
• Any device, whether a PC, tablet, or smartphone, can run PHP programs. It works well with many different databases.
• Since PHP is an interpreted language, compiling is not required. A translator reads and executes a program line by line.
• PHP is a stable, efficient, and adaptable programming language. PHP has a highly effective memory management system.
• Typically, PHP scripts run more quickly than scripts written in other languages. Users enjoy having quicker-loading web pages.

Python Key Features

The most notable Features of Python are listed below.

• Python was developed under an OSI-accepted open-source licence, making it available for usage even for financial gain.
• The extensive Python standard library is accessible to everyone. In contrast to other programming languages, developers don't have to create code for everything.
• Python is portable because the same code may be run on other devices.
• Graphical User Interface compatibility is one of the most critical features of any computer language. Through the usage of a GUI, a user may interact with the software.
• Python is a high-level software application because it frees programmers from memory management and system design requirements.

The table below provides a quick visual comparison of the three widely used backend technologies.

Many savvy companies utilize each of the three technologies when it is most suitable and appropriate, depending on the project(s) at hand. Your project's specifications, particularly the sort of web application you wish to create, should also determine which to choose and how to proceed.

Any of the three technologies may be favored and touted by companies in different industries, especially when taking into account prior use cases. To make an informed decision on which of the technologies is best for your particular needs, consider them all regardless of the type of business you run.

So, Is Node.js killing Python and PHP?

The question of which language is superior may spark endless debate, especially considering that it might be very challenging to determine what exactly you need in the ever-growing, complex world of computer languages.

However, since Node.js, PHP, and Python are employed in the same sector and are mostly utilized for website creation, and in industries primarily focused on website designing, the superiority of any one over the others seems relevant. 

Besides, the three technolgies are open source and frequently used for the same online applications. In light of this, we may safely conclude that Node.js is not killing Python and PHP. On the contrary, each of the solutions excels at solving a problem that might occasionally overlap.