Node.js vs PHP: When we talk about the largest programming languages, Node.js and PHP are some of the most valued options. Each one of them brings unique baggage of pros and cons for its users. While both are neck-to-neck competitors, a lot of us still cannot pick the one that will work the best for a project.
Software development is a world where there is no one size fits all solution. The right option is always the combination of your needs and business objectives. But how do you come to find the one that suits well to your project? Especially when it is a tough fight between the technologies like Node.js and PHP.
Therefore, in this blog today, we will compare all the aspects of PHP and Node.js to give you a clear understanding of where these two lies in a competition.
But before jumping into the details, let’s first understand in brief the context.
What is node.js?
In simple words, Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment. With the power of the V8 JS engine, Node.js is known to deliver applications with great performance and stability. Besides, this technology makes the apps more responsive by offering access to a wide range of asynchronous I/O primitives.
One of the biggest features of Node.js is that it can build both server-side and client-side apps and that too with one language, JavaScript.
What is PHP?
Reckoned as one of the best server-side languages in the world, PHP is the most opted alternative for Node.js. So much so, that if we think about the node.js vs. PHP popularity, we don’t know which one will win. Approximately 79% of the websites in the world are built with PHP. No wonder there are so many dedicated PHP developers and PHP development companies around the world. PHP is also supported by large frameworks like Symphony and Laravel.
Why is it important to understand the Node.js vs PHP comparison and the need to choose the right backend?
Project success is the ultimate result of the kind of technology we choose. One wrong decision can prove detrimental. This is the reason why choosing the right one between Node.js vs PHP comparison becomes such a daunting task. Especially in smaller companies, the wrong choice is directly related to the amount of bad impact it will have on their project.
So, jump on this bandwagon with us, and let’s take a closer look at the PHP v/s Node.js comparison.
Well, you have a table to find out for yourself. Although let us make it clear that this does not count the 14-year launch difference.
Node.JS v/s php comparison in detail
Coding
Easy and well-engineered syntax is the promoter of doing more with less code.
Node.js
Being a little new to PHP, one gets confused as to the number of code lines required to execute the same function as PHP. Fortunately, it’s simple than we think. One does not have to know the syntax of various languages. Why? Because the entire environment OF Node.js is programmed with JavaScript.
Yes, it may sometimes need a bit of a longer code but single language only.
PHP
PHP has been around for the longest time. Therefore, people have grown fond of it. Usually, it is believed that PHP needs fewer lines of code for a certain task. This is possible when you are fluent in operating the generators like Linux, Apache HTTP Server, and MySQL.
Clarions Verdict
Both Node.js and PHP are easily understandable languages. Any developer with minimum experience can master these two languages with little practice. However, we feel the one that wins here is Node.js for its one programming language.
Speed
Speaking of speed, we refer to the execution speed. The higher the execution speed the quicker the development process will be making the project more cost-effective.
Node.js
Node.js is amongst those very few asynchronous development environments. This very fact gives Node.js an edge over other languages. One of the biggest advantages of the asynchronous development environments is that it does not need to wait for a module to successfully load before loading the next one. This minimizes the downtime building a flawless experience for the users.
PHP
Just like its fellow languages that were launched during the same time, PHP works on synchronicity. To be specific, synchronicity means every module is required to be executed in a code-specific manner. Another module cannot start before the execution of the previous module.
Clarions Verdict
Node.js wins this round too owing to its seamless speed performance.
Frameworks
Frameworks focus on the fine details of your project. It is because the code is provided with libraries, functions, and APIs. With the increasing extensivity of a framework, the amount of redundant code reduces.
Node.js
In a short period, Node.js has seen a humongous expansion of its libraries. All thanks to the frameworks like Meteor, Derby, Express, Sails, etc. These frameworks are competent to boost productivity, and minimizing development time and resource consumption. Yet, PHP frameworks outnumber those of Node.js by a great margin.
PHP
Ever since its inception, PHP has had a plethora of libraries with niche markets of their own. Many development agencies specifically opt for PHP frameworks like Laravel, CodeIgniter, CakePHP, and Phalcon.
Clarions Verdict
If you are looking for something that can easily cater to your need to support extensive frameworks, then Node.js can be your answer. If it is not so you can undoubtedly go with PHP.
Conclusion:
Both Node.js and PHP offer unique features. In the end, it all depends on the kind of features and functionalities your project needs and demands. Clarion can help you with both, dedicated PHP developers and wells seasoned Node.js developers too. If you are looking for them contact us to know more.
