Both PHP and Node.JS are used for server-side development and become competitors for each other. The few differences it makes are on different parameters with making its decision between two giants. PHP and Nodejs are potent options for backend development. When one talks about PHP vs Nodejs, then PHP is a popular technology of all time. On the other hand, nodejs is newer to use. Both have their benefits and disadvantages. Let’s understand each in brief.
What is Node.js?
Nodejs is cross-platform that comes with a runtime environment, and executes JavaScript code outside a web browser. It was the year 2009 when Ryan Dahl built fast and scalable applications. Nodejs uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that increases its popularity among developers.
Advantages of using Node.js application
- Non-blocking code
NodeJS is event-driven and runs code based on callbacks. The approach helps to run the application not to sleep and pause with becoming available for requests.
- Faster performance
NodeJs is based on Google’s V8 engine written in Chrome’s V8, C++ used to compile functions into machine code. V8 works impressively at fast speed and gets the performance benefits from it.
- Get full-stack technology access
If you’re looking for better efficiency, reusability, easy knowledge sharing, and powerful free tools, then Nodejs is for you. The reuse code on the front-end and backend wrapping creates a new level of abstraction.
- Architecture and scalability
The microservices architecture is an approach that develops a single application that runs its processes. It uses a lightweight mechanism that often comes with an HTTP resource API. The technology makes an easy ground using basic app functionalities.
Limitation of node.js
- Callbacks risks
It works on asynchronous nature, and it relies heavily on functions and callbacks that run on each task in the queue. The callbacks are nested within several levels making it challenging to maintain the code.
- Computation tasks are too complex
A non-blocking input means to answer the client and start a request. The issue occurs when one receives a CPU-bound task. Whenever the request comes to the event loop, it sets CPU and then follows other requests queued. It may slow down your result and overall delay in the event loop.
Also, check The Rise of Node.js is Perfect for Enterprise App Development
What is PHP?
Hypertext Preprocessor, known as PHP, is an open-source server-side scripting language. It developed in 1994 and has been a big success. The survey shows that nearly 80% of the website data use PHP. The popularity of its content management system like Drupal, WordPress, Shopify, and WooCommerce shows how the backend works under its wings.
Benefits of PHP
- Offers a wide range of databases
PHP has a wide range of databases that are mainly available for free. They are popular and use solid options, where the system is compatible with mSQL, PHP, SQLite, etc. The developer isn’t limited to using any specific database but can choose the optimal relevant for a future app.
- Higher page load speed
The PHP makes the website page load faster when compared to other development technologies. Let’s say PHP is three times faster than Python. It lowers loading time and promotes a website with competitive benefits.
- Efficient object-oriented programming (OOP)
PHP allows using OOP that manages the code efficiently. It mainly uses four principles like inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, and polymorphism that deal with properties and methods. While working with OOP, it uses fewer parameters and hires redundant methods and other properties that work together to make use of PHP more seamlessly.
Limitation of PHP
- Security vulnerability
The main reason for PHP having a bad reputation is regarding security. It comes with a low barrier for a novice programmer. The number of websites and apps developed won’t experience trainees, coders, and even hobbyists. As a result, the work contribution rumours the fact regarding lousy security.
- Flexibility at the cost of inconsistency
The PHP flexibility comes with inconsistency that lacks the structure and allows devs to choose the way coding is convenient. Also, the main issue with different codes of PHP varies. The IT community calls this issue a spaghetti code that’s poorly structured with difficulty.
Let’s understand PHP vs Node.js
Execution speed
Nodejs is an asynchronous development environment that gives an edge over other languages. Asynchronous means nodejs won’t wait for the whole module to complete it successfully before loading it to the next one. Therefore, it helps in reducing the downtime of the website loading and offers the best user experience. Whereas PHP operates synchronicity. It checks each module and executes each function. Also, if a module or function isn’t implemented, it won’t start until it’s completed.
Database
Nodejs grows with the advent of NoSQL databases, and it’s well synchronized in all forms of databases. It uses JavaScript Object notation, a unique format for data while interacting with database work swimmingly with NoSQL databases like CouchDB and MongoDB. It supports graph databases and has substantial libraries to access SQL databases. At the same time, PHP is an older technology that uses a conventional database like MySQL and MariaDB. Import libraries to work with the NoSQL database, which eats large chunks of processing time.
In short, plan to have a scalable web app that pulls data from the relational, conventional, or NoSQL database.
Ecosystem
Nodejs ecosystem comes with a wide range of frameworks and libraries, and it lay behind PHP numbers. As nodejs lacks in quantity, it makes up for varieties of projects as it makes up for both server-side and backend programming its available in large numbers. WordPress has a significant contribution to the PHP ecosystem. Here the company is responsible for running an extensive website on the internet. The PHP community developed a ton of training material and supported technology over the years by bringing new developers on board.
Hosting
As nodejs comes with a wide range of alternatives, it helps in performing in a competitive environment. The technology works great for debugging, performance enhancement and is easy to deploy. At the same time, PHP comes with wider compatibility with hosting service providers. If you feel security is not a significant concern, go for PHP to develop your web project.
When can one use PHP, and When can one use Node.js?
If you understand PHP vs Nodejs, it’s essential to know when to use PHP and Nodejs. Talking about NodeJs’s performance, it built
- Real-time applications
- Dynamic single page application
- Using front-end technology like Angular and React
While PHP technology is ideal for:
- A blog or eCommerce website with CMS
- With LAMP stack
- When one needs to prioritize ease of integration and deployment.
To wrap up
Ultimately, it’s your choice which technology works better for you. Both PHP and NodeJs have their benefits and limitations. If you have jotted down the project and are looking for any consideration, we have a team. Hire dedicated developers, and avoid compromising on the app performance by building an excellent app for your business.