Node.js vs PHP

Web development is a wide field that incorporates many features you need comprehensive knowledge about. Node.js vs PHP are some of the most developed technologies that are mostly featured in web development activities. These two technologies take part in the development of the server-side. However, Node.js tend to serve the client-side and the server-side development. 

According to research, 34.88% of the available websites are currently hosted on PHP. In addition, PHP has been in existence for more than three decades, making it serve approximately 78% of the entire web. In terms of comparison, Node.js is relatively new in the industry compared to PHP, although it is growing significantly. 

This is exactly where the big question comes in! What is the best choice between Node.js and PHP for your web development project? The truth is that the two are excellent options, although there is a need to learn more about them. If you realize that you are getting stuck when it comes to choosing between the two, this article has your back covered! 

What Is Node.js?

A lot of confusing information has emerged, spreading that Node.js is a major framework of JavaScript programming language. However, the truth is that Node.js is not a programming language or rather a JavaScript framework. This technology operates as a platform where you can tailor the JavaScript programing language to operate as server-side scripting. 

In addition, Node.js operates as an open-source, single-threaded platform where you can create a fast and easily scalable server-side and networking application for your technology operations. This is the ideal option if you need to facilitate real-time operations and the development of applications based on your preferred needs. 

The tool can also be written using C and C++ programming languages alongside JavaScript. This is mainly propelled by the fact that low-level C is an efficient and reliable programming language that can be applied when building an operating system, database engines, and any other activity closely related to system programming. 

On the flip side, the C++ programming language has various traits that facilitate communication between Node.js and the respective operating system creating an internal connection. The tool can freely interact with C++ enabling it to withstand the computer characteristics creating a better platform for the server-side and the client-side. 

Why You Should Use Node.js

Web development researchers have revealed that 36.19% of people use Node.js for their web development activities. This number is expected to grow to a huge figure as time passes since many people are learning more about the tool and how it can help them mitigate their web needs. It’s now clear that Node.js has a bunch of features to offer. Below are some features that make the tool stand out and the best choice. 

Non-Blocking Code 

The non-blocking code is one of the top features that make Node.js an incredible option. Besides, Node.js is mainly propelled by events since most codes depend mostly on the callback. It has the potential to pause or even sleep when other programs and requests are still under processing. 

Furthermore, the tool offers nob-blocking calls mainly used to generate a performant application. The program has a leveraged time of 1/0 to satisfy the operation of other requests. 

Full-Stack JS 

Node.js can allow you to conduct coding activities both on the client-server and the side-server. This is a powerful frontend and backend development combination. Note that this is the most crucial advantage of using Node.js in web development. Besides, it can overwhelm the limitation of employing two people even though you can save as much time and resources as possible. 

IoT Protocol 

This technology does not need you to have a lot of memory and resources on your server-side. Also, web development professionals can opt to employ IoT to generate concurrency links within different devices. The tool also can support message queuing telemetry transport, also known as MQTT, which uses IoT. 

This feature makes Node.js easy to integrate with your preferred third-party devices. The ease of integration makes the tool the best choice for the backend level. 

Simplicity 

Simplicity is a key feature to consider when analyzing the best technology to utilize in your web development activities. Node.js is an awesome tool that you can begin with due to its simple nature. If you are a new programmer and you want to get started, Node.js is the simplest option since you can learn and master it in just a few days. 

Pros of Node.js

Cross-Platform Functionality 

Web developers can easily combine the power of Node.js and electron to generate real-time cross-platform applications that won’t need you to use different codes for every platform. This is one of the things that has triggered Node.js to create ChartExpo for Google Sheets and Excel charts such as Sankey Chart and Gauge Chart, which is currently applied in a series of data processing activities. 

Shorten-Time-To- Market 

This tool is considered full-stack and easy to scramble upon when conducting your activities. If your team members have access to this tool, they are likely to save a lot of time which they can spend doing other important activities that are more profitable. As a return, you will automatically cut short marketing time. 

Scalability 

Node.js has an efficient module balancing mechanism that allows it to operate over several CPU cores. This makes it easier for you to achieve your target goals within a much shorter duration. It has a non-blocking event loop feature that makes it efficient while at work. 

Cons of Node.js

It Has an Unstable API

The Application Program Interface, also known as API, changes from time to time, making the tool unreliable at some point. Given that new codes are released regularly, developers must change their access code regularly to withstand the current situation. 

Cannot Process Heavy Computation

The major drawback of Node.js is that it cannot process multi-threaded programming tasks. Even though it can sustain more sophisticated applications compared to Ruby, it cannot withstand calculations that are done for quite a long duration. 

Callback Hell

Node.js depends on callbacks since it has a synchronous operating model. This makes it difficult to process tasks since the assigned tasks are presented in the queue. 

What Is PHP?

The term PHP is an acronym that stands for Hypertext Processor. In the past, it was defined as Personal Home Pages, which changed following technological advancement. It is an object-oriented and open-source server-side scripting that mainly operates as a web development tool. In most cases, it is used in generating web servers. 

However, it can be modified and used within the browser and the command line. If you prefer not to showcase your code output within the browser, you can decide to portray it through the terminal. This tool utilizes the Zend engine, mostly applied in web development activities, to execute tasks based on the given requirements. 

Facebook is one of the social media platforms that made changes to PHP, including JPHP, the HipHop Virtual Machine, also known as HPVM, and the Parrot. 

Why You Should Use PHP 

Within the past year, approximately 22%  of web developers used PHP daily, especially when running heavy programming operations. Initially, many people firmly believed that this programming language would come to an end in the near future. However, this has been disregarded since the tool is still \growing stronger to date. 

Many people still rely on PHP in all their web development operations. Below are the reasons why you should prefer using it. 

HTML-Friendly 

If you are comfortable using HTML, you can easily shift to PHP without experiencing any trouble. Besides, you can opt to install PHP either outside or inside HTML, depending on your preference. Also, you should keep in mind that PHP and HTML can be interchanged, and everything still runs smoothly. 

Web Compatibility 

You can easily integrate PHP with any other technologies that evolve across the industries. Almost every hosting service you use has room for PHP adoption if the need arises. It is a vers8atile and flexible option making it easy to correspond with other programming languages available. 

Cross-Platform 

This tool can fit in all the available major operating systems available. Some of these systems include Mac OS, Linux, and Windows. In addition, PHP has proved to be compatible with any primary web server such as OpenBSD, Apache, and Nginx. Also, all the cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, and Amazon AWS, among others, have the option to enable PHP. 

Connects All Databases 

PHP is known to be an adaptive web development language. It has an expansive room connecting all kinds of databases such as MS SQL, Oracle Database, and MySQL. These features give developers the freedom to choose the best database that suits generated application. 

Pros of PHP 

It Requires Less Maintenance 

This tool has advanced features that make it to be applied in multiple sectors, thus calling for no regular maintenance to operate smoothly. It comes with the Model-view-controller, also known as MVC, which divides every application into different models, views, and even controllers. This division mitigates regular maintenance since everything is outlined properly. 

Relatively Cheap

Using PHP in your web development activities is completely free. Also, you don’t need to pay anything to use its features and tools. The availability of multiple data processing frameworks creates a great environment for developers to conduct their operations. 

User-Friendly 

You don’t need to spend much time learning about this tool. You can easily learn and master how to use it within the shortest time possible, given that it is friendly in nature. Even if it is your first time interacting with this tool, you can still master its model of operating. 

Cons of PHP 

Security Issues 

PHP is one of the web development tools that are known to have a negative reputation when it comes to security matters. When inexperienced developers take over the platform, they tend to generate sites that come with lots of vulnerabilities. This makes the tool appear as the most insecure option. 

Framework Quality

Given that the PHP framework is open-source, the quality of the generated output is not up to standard. As a result, most frameworks lack the resources and proper support to enhance quality standards. 

Outdated Models 

Technology is constantly changing day and night, thus calling for frequent updates. As Machine learning develops, new programming languages such as Python develops. You cannot compare such advancements with PHP since it has a library full of different features and technologies. 

Conclusion

The above-outlined web development technologies have both their negative and positive sides that you can choose based on what you want to create. All the two tools play a huge role in web development activities. The choice you make at the end of the day mainly relies on your requirements and what you would like to have. Note that one tool may have all the features you need while the other lacks, thus giving you a chance to make a sound decision.