Node.js vs Java: Which Back-End is Best For You?

Backend language is used to program the server side of the website. Users click links, select menus that are displayed on the client side, also called the user interface, and these are run on the server. Node.js and Java are programming languages employed in server-side programming. This blog examines important features of the two languages to suggest the language that is best suited for your requirements. 

Node.js is available as open-source software without any license or payment. It is used on many platforms and the code runs externally from the browser. Users give instructions to the servers through Node.js in single threads. These instructions are carried out in the server, without impacting the browser. This feature allows many requests to be managed at the same time, with reduced load on the server.

Java is the basic language used for developing websites. It has the Java development kit, java virtual machine, and Java runtime environment. The features of security are good and Java can be used for all types of programming work. 

Comparison of Node.js and Java for backend

The two languages are compared for different functionalities and parameters.

Features

Node.js is a JavaScript framework. Programmers can employ the same syntax for the server and client side. This feature increases agility, and workflow, and allows developed components to be used repeatedly. It has an event loop with timers, a single thread that allows simple queries to be handled fast and without interruption. As a result, Node.js is appropriate for the small and light components needed for the backend. You can hire Node.js Developers to elevate your project with advanced techniques and expertise. 

Java binds variables and data types when the application is run. The feature is called multi-threading  and it helps the program to complete many tasks at the same time, or concurrently. The code structure is of byte-code type and allows the program to be used on different platforms.

These features allow Java programs to have large and complex coding. It is suitable for large operations and processes, and full fledged services. Using it for small operations is possible but complex and the program is slow.

Performance

Performance is about the speed and loading time, without crashing. Node.js is driven by events and uses callbacks’ promises of asynchronous nature. This feature makes the program to be identified as non-blocking. As a result,  instructions, and  input and output are run faster. As a result, many requests can be managed without causing a needless load or backlog on the server.

It has many libraries and modules such as MongoDB, and Socket.io that increase performance by answering requests faster. These features help small applications written with Node.js to have good speed.

Java uses multiple threads that work in a synchronous format while using a blocking type of input and output methods. These features help in giving high performance for large and complex operations and processes.

Since a new thread is formed for every request, memory use is higher. This issue can produce less speed since large complex code must be run on the Java Virtual Machine. It is clear that for backend applications where processes are light, Node.js is seen to give better performance.

Stability

Good stability means that application functionality, processes, security, and other characteristics run as required. Node.js has a design where APIs, compatibility, and features can change as demanded. It does not have a fixed structure, and the code can be inconsistent. Developers have to check and test the code. This can make applications less stable, for complex projects and processes. Node.js security is stable for small processes.

Java is essentially for large applications. It is slow, with a defined structure and APIs. The code is organized, consistent, and clean. Applications have higher predictability and stability, and the system runs without crashing. 

Security

Security is important for all applications. Since backend languages run in the server, security is critical. Node.js does not have a security system or framework in it. It does not have a sandbox environment for isolating malware. As a result, coders use other products such as Passport, and Helmet for security. Certain hacking attacks such as forgery by cross-site request, and scripting cross-site can make Node.js apps vulnerable. 

Java has a good framework of security mechanisms. As a result, coders can use the functionality of the JVM. These include reliable encryption and control of access. The sandbox can be used to isolate and quarantine suspicious files. It can also block attacks from the web. 

Documentation

Documentation refers to various user guides, maintenance and functionality documents, and API info. These are needed for reference in creating apps easily. Node.js has limited documentation. Updates, revisions, and patches are not in one location. Coders have difficulties in finding information. Since a clear standard and structures are not present, large projects can have problems with integration of apps.

Java was developed a few decades back and it is mature. A large variety of documentation is available for functionality, API, coding. Developers can procure updates, patches, and the latest version easily. As a result, coders can write consistent codes that can be integrated into complex projects.

Use cases

Use cases explain areas and projects where technology is used, and how it is employed. Node.js is needed for small server applications that use data that is live. Some examples are video and music streaming sites such as Netflix, Uber, and PayPal. It is useful for applications such as micro-architecture, and GraphQL since flexibility and modularity is good.

Java is used in the backend of projects with complex code, large requirements, and multiple functionalities. Some projects of this nature are enterprise-wide applications, banking and large electronic applications, data science, and the Internet of Things. It provides higher performance such as building applications like eBay, Amazon, Twitter, and others. However, Node.js is also used for special applications in these sites.

Future use

Future use examines where and to what extent technology will be used in the coming years. Node.js has minimal code and continues to be used in applications for web and mobile applications. Since it manages live and streaming data, many sites will use the technology. With increased use cases, libraries and tools will increase. This will allow more applications for servers.

Java is used for complex applications that must have high security and features. The number of coders who use Java for backend work is also increasing. However, other tools such as Python are gaining popularity,and use of Java may decrease in the future.

Conclusion

A focused comparison of Node.js and Java was done for some important parameters. For features parameters, it is seen that Node.js can be used for the front and backend. It is lighter, agile, and development is faster, and appropriate for small applications. Java is employed for complex projects. For the parameter of performance, Node.js is light, has several features that make it fast, and the response is quick. Java is slower, runs complex code, and it is slower, especially for backend work.

For the parameter of stability, it is seen that Node.js has features that make it less stable. It is quick but coders may face instability, and processes terminate leading to errors. Java on the other hand has large code and several processes that enhance stability. Node.js lacks an integral safety framework for security. As a result, hackers can gain access to the backend. Java has security features and is much more secure for servers.

Node.js is younger and documentation of all features is not available. Java is decades old, mature, and large documentation is available. Coders find creating applications for servers easier with Java than with Node.js. A study of use cases shows that Node.js is used for small and light server applications. Java is useful for large and complex processes. It is also seen that Node.js use will continue in the future. Java has some alternatives such as Python.

To conclude, Node.js is suitable for small and light server applications. Use Java for large projects. Many organizations use both Node.js and Java.

Biography:- Harikrishna Kundariya, a marketer, developer, IoT, Cloud & AWS savvy, co-founder, Director of eSparkBiz Technologies. His 14+ years of experience enables him to provide digital solutions to new start-ups based on IoT and SaaS applications.