A perfect server-side application development concerns proper implementation of back-end programs. And PHP happens to be the most widespread choice for such tasks, covering over 76% of all websites. JavaScript also shares a magnificent portion where NodeJS often pops up while discussing the tasks.
A common misconception also revolves around Node.js being a programming language or framework. Since Nodejs continues to thrive in web app development, it\’s crucial to understand the basic details. That’s why we’re about to go through a comparative PHP vs NodeJS work to get the what and why.
What is PHP?
PHP stands for ‘Hypertext Preprocessor’ – a server-side, scripting, open-source programming language. It can effectively create and manage dynamic websites, databases, webpages with exclusive features. PHP only looks forward to continuous upgrades since its invention in 1994 by Rasmus Lerdorf.
The standout features of this programming language are –
- Direct execution in servers for processing to minimize waiting time.
- Seamless integration to leading databases (Oracle, Sybase, PostgreSQL, Informix, MySQL).
- Powerful content management system with user accessibility control.
- Easy support to multiple main protocols like HTTP Basic, IMAP, HTTP Digest, FTP, and others.
- Embedding into HTML files as writing HTML codes in PHP is possible.
- Large, supportive, robust codebase includes a large number of popular development stacks.
- Faster loading of webpages to impact the overall SEO of the website.
All these actively contribute to some of the quintessential positives required by a web application. That’s why top sites (Wikipedia, Facebook, WordPress) are built on PHP. Its range of primary benefits covers –
- Advanced customization palette.
- Superb level of programming flexibility.
- Universal cross-platform compatibility.
- Easy to understand for the developers.
- Plenty of available tools for coding.
Likewise, there are limitations to confront while using PHP for your web development project. It’s often difficult to add further functionalities seamlessly upon merging HTML code. Slow testing as well as poor debugging also troubles many developers. Even the security concerns are likely to give you a headache.
What is Node.JS?
It’s a cross-platform, open-source, single-threaded runtime environment built on Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript (JS) engine. Node.js is more like a library to help run/operate JavaScript applications outside mobile browsers. You can build scalable, real-time, responsive, server-side network applications.
NodeJS, Node.JS, Nodejs, Node.js – all terms are the same. Ryan Dahl developed the relatively new yet highly useful system. You can download the latest version from https://nodejs.org/en/download/.
The most prevalent features of Node.JS would be –
- All NodeJS APIs are asynchronous and non-blocking in nature.
- Nodejs follows an event-driven mechanism to receive/track responses.
- Single-threaded architecture to make Node.js more scalable.
- Creation of limited threads to handle a huge/large number of requests.
- Integration of V8 JavaScript runtime motor for fast execution.
- Supports nearly all operating systems – Unix, Windows, Linux, MacOS.
- Incredibly fast data streaming action without any buffering.
Nodejs helps developers to create apps rather quickly with real-time experience. it incorporates a well-laid distributive infrastructure for the app. So, developers need minimal time to make crucial changes (updates). No wonder why nearly 85% of all developers choose NodeJS to make websites.
Some of the common Node.js applications include –
- Real-time applications
- RESTFUL APIs
- Single-Page Applications
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Microservices
- Command-Line Tools
- Web servers
- Streaming Applications
Websites like Netflix, Walmart, NASA, Medium, Trello, PayPal, LinkedIn, Uber, eBay, etc. feature NodeJS. Still, you’ll have to address certain issues while using the environment. Not all server hosts can handle the requests, requiring more budget. The complicated coding structure is also difficult to understand.
PLEASE NOTE that NodeJS isn’t a programming language, umbrella term, JavaScript synonym, JavaScript framework/library. It’s the environment where you’ll have all the resources and tools ready to execute code written in a programming language. The language is JavaScript and the environment is Nodejs.
NodeJS vs PHP: Differentiating Comparison
Let’s have a look at the simplified comparison between the two differential segments of programming. We kept the distinctions confined to generic or non-technical measures for a quick understanding.
- Coding: Well-flourished PHP takes fewer lines for a complete function, making it easier. Nodejs requires more lines to complete a function. But PHP’s integration with databases may present difficulties.
- Engine: The terms in question have distinctive runtime environments. NodeJS uses Chrome’s V8 engine to enable the operating functions. Scripting engine Zend is in charge of interpreting PHP codes.
- Performance: NodeJS’s V8 engine provides speedy execution with superfast startup. Concurrent action is also present here. PHP’s synchronous module often leads to delayed loading without concurrency.
- Concurrency: Line-by-line execution of the code ends up blocking the request on PHP. And the loading time appears late. It’s the opposite for Nodejs, making it capable of handling many connections.
- Functionality: PHP is purely a language, limiting options for development. Still, it evolves rapidly to push all the functioning features. Node.js is a seamless package without any functioning fragmentation.
- Ecosystem: Wide libraries and large frameworks are particularly helpful for Node.JS. However, it still remains well behind PHP. The ecosystem is PHP is almost colossal with its proactive community.
- Framework: Frameworks like Codelgniter, Laravel, Cakephp allow easy backend development with PHP. Newer frameworks are still popping up to compete with Express, Meteor, Derby regarding Nodejs.
- Hosting: PHP is well-suited to work perfectly with almost all kinds of web servers. NodeJS also goes well, thanks to its interoperability. A broader reach is applicable for PHP where Nodejs may fall behind.
- Database:js comes with superior support for NoSQL and graphical databases. It seems more suitable for modern web apps. But PHP excels in relational databases to suit traditional web apps.
- Security: PHP has long been susceptible to security concerns due to its easy use and universal adoption. NodeJS stands better with well-specific security measures alongside lesser risks of vulnerabilities.
Choosing the ultimate runtime environment entirely depends on your project specifications. It’s not exactly which one costs less or works better. You should try NodeJS when performance and ease matter in web development. Real-time apps, front-end techs, and single-page apps coincide much better with Node.js. PHP seems the ultimate option when deployment, integration, and content take priority.
Wrapping Up
Either of the programming terms explained above is one of a kind from working principles and primary features. Both continue to grow in resources while helping millions of professionals across the globe. Learning PHP may seem easy with steadfast basics while NodeJS will take a steeper understanding. Still, PHP and Node.JS are equally worth the value when you’re seeking a career path.
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