Among all the other tech stacks, JavaScript is one of the few globally accepted scripting languages, and there are several JavaScript frameworks to select from. Node.js and React.js are two of the most successful web app development solutions available but it can be difficult for programmers to determine which is superior.
The fundamental difference between Node.js and React.js is that Node.js is used for back-end purposes and React.js for developing user interfaces.
We have taken help and votes from our NodeJs and React developers from India to craft this post. This post is all about a comparison between node js vs React js based on their popularity, merits, downsides, efficiency, learning curve, ecosystem, and compatibility for the overall aspect.
What are Node Js?
Node.js is a js framework for developing the backend of web app development.
Node.js is powered by the V8 JavaScript engine of Google Chrome. It is efficient and compact because its approach is event-driven and non-blocking. This framework is utilized by web app developers for providing APIs, delivering HTTP requests, and gaining access control.
1.1 Key Features of Node Js
Node is extremely versatile since the server responds in a non-blocking nature.
Zero Buffering: Javascript code delivers data in massive chunks. This provides web developers the benefit of ‘No buffering’.
Node.js maintains an open-source ecosystem. This is the primary reason why Nodejs apps have been augmented with countless magnificent modules throughout time.
Occasion-driven input and output: Node.js APIs are non-blocking in nature, indicating the server will not wait for database calls to arrive from an API. Instead, it will transition to a new API.
1.2 Pros and Cons of Node JS
Advantages of using Node.JS
- It is released with an in-built package management system.
- Nodejs has tens of dozens of package modules.
- Having a separate CLI to retrieve and download all of the code components you’ll need throughout the web app development is a major time-saving.
- It is suitable for usage as a server-side gateway. Consequently, your server-side web application will effectively manage several concurrent requests.
- It processes huge data streams.
- It is very extendable, as thousands of packages are supported.
Disadvantages of Node.js
- Callbacks are nested and have an asynchronous programming approach.
- It cannot handle CPU-intensive tasks adequately, and new APIs are constantly being added, so you must be on the watch for incompatible changes.
- It is solely suitable for server-side web apps.
- Node.js requires you to handle just relational database issues.
What is React JS?
ReactJS is an open-source Javascript framework for designing single-page user interfaces. It is used to develop user interfaces for enterprise-level interactive web projects. It’s straightforward, quick, and adaptable, also it allows us to construct reusable UI components to make API calls. It serves as the basis for single-page, massive, dynamic web projects, and it is difficult to reuse react modules. Writing React’s virtual DOM (Document Object Model) method is tedious and inaccurate. React components are accountable for producing a short, reusable HTML fragment. By layering elements within other parts, it is possible to design complex applications from simple building blocks.
2.1 Key React Js Features
Simple maintenance – This package repurposes system components and resolves any update-related React difficulties.
Performance – React leverages Virtual DOM, which enhances application durability.
Stable code – By limiting data flow to the downward direction, React ensures code security and app efficiency.
Programmer toolkit – React.js gives troubleshooting and design tools to developers, assuring great speed.
Mobile app development – By adhering to the same design rules, you can create a rich UI for native iOS and android applications.
2.2 Pros and Cons of React JS
Advantages of using Reactjs
Better Productivity:
React enables you to maintain all application functionalities in their own virtual DOM. All DOM modifications are automatically changed.
Search Engine Optimization Friendly:
You may create lightweight web apps with React JS. It is possible to execute React on the server, and the virtual DOM will be supplied.
Component-based Building:
You may simply create portions according to your needs. It enables you to build your components and combine them with your primary web app development company. React.js is updated frequently and delivers nicely with slick user interfaces.
Disadvantages of React.js
Not easy to learn:
Implementation of the framework into a UI demands a deeper knowledge of React technology.
Poor documentation:
React technologies are frequently updated and progress quickly. Consequently, there are complaints that the documentation is difficult to utilize.
View part:
The React.js framework solely addresses the app’s user interface. Therefore, web developers must utilize additional technologies to acquire a comprehensive set of tools.
Node Js vs React: Comparison Parameters
3.1 Microservices
Microservices architecture is a completely novel method for redefining scalable backends. It is a strategy to develop a single-page application as a suite of tiny services, each operating its process and interacting through lightweight means, typically an HTTP resource API. The primary objective was to enable various teams to work productively on discrete elements of web app development services. This strategy boosts developer efficiency and minimizes time-to-market.
Let’s assess this strategy’s applicability with Node.js and React:
For React
Micro frontends present a method for breaking up a scalable frontend into smaller and more manageable pieces of code. Over time, a separate team of programmers works on these bits of code until they are deployable as loosely connected application suites. Additionally, each team is accountable for a distinct set that primarily delivers distinct material. Micro frontends in React are a more sociable and compact group.
For example, a Reactjs-based eCommerce platform may be segmented into several sets of functionality that can be managed by distinct teams such as the purchasing, frontend, DevOps, and backend teams (microservices).
In later phases, teams might be split to a greater degree.
React enables indirect communication between micro frontends, hence minimizing direct connection. React is also a nice option for facilitating the transmission of callbacks and data downstream. This answer clarifies the distinction.
For Node.js
Node is a perfect companion to microservices because both enable businesses to achieve mobility, safety, and greater performance. Utilizing microservices with Node enables the development of simple applications. This potent combo can also drive highly scalable applications and manage hundreds of simultaneous requests without degrading system performance.
Leveraging microservices in a Node. js-based eCommerce application enables various services and allows them to expand independently. The subscription-based eCommerce firm Cadenza switched its NodeJs application from MEAN to microservice architecture. Node. the js-based microservice design enabled Cadenza to overcome obstacles such as API integration, constant app crashes, and enormous expenditures.
3.2 Learning Curve
You will rapidly realize that in addition to understanding React, you will most likely need to grasp dealing with other technologies, such as navigation and state management frameworks to construct an application.
And because React is only a javascript library, you’ll have to invest some time following best practices for project setup and other tasks.
In addition, React is often upgraded, and it is difficult maintaining up with the modifications, according to the experts.
It will just take several days to master Node if you are already comfortable with JavaScript. The majority of your time will be spent understanding backends development fundamentals such as data analytics and incoming request processing.
Node, on the other hand, includes built-in APIs that enable the creation of DNS, TCP, and HTTP servers among others. Therefore, understanding Node will make you a more flexible javascript programmer.
3.3 Community Support
For your programmer to work productively on a task, the framework must have extensive community support.
For React.js
React, which was created and is managed by Facebook, is supported by a large staff that provides consistent support. Its regular updates allow developers to work rapidly without damaging the program, which is its strongest feature. Thus, developers may be lifelong students. React is used in the development of famous platforms such as Netflix, Airbnb, Uber, etc.
For Node.js
Node.js is open-source, which means that its audience is actively involved in enhancing the language and addressing issues. A huge population means that a large number of developers have access to the greatest tips and advice when they speak within the community.
3.4 App Size and Performance
The app’s capacity and speed have a significant influence on the effectiveness of your web app development and have a direct impact on the traffic and service quality. Thus, it affects client satisfaction with web apps. Let’s examine the performance characteristics of React and Nodejs.
For React.js
Owing to the Virtual DOM functionality, React can efficiently manage rapid UI modifications. It functions as follows: for each DOM in React, there is a replica of the Virtual DOM. It has the same features as a conventional DOM, but it cannot directly alter the user interface. In reality, for every UI modification, React updates the Virtual DOM and often compares it with the actual DOM. Thus, it determines what modifications must be applied to the standard DOM. After reviewing the modifications, React refreshes the user interface.
However, this entire procedure is so rapid that web developers occasionally encounter UI rendering performance concerns. However, a fix exists for every performance issue with React.
For Node.js
According to the Node.js 2018 survey study, Node.js continues to have a favorable effect on a large number of users due to enhanced efficiency and satisfaction, decreased development expenses, and improved app performance.
Here are a few reasons why its backend is sturdy and efficient:
Because of the event-loop functionality, it is algorithmic and nonblocking.
Node.js’s code is scalable, which is particularly advantageous for event-driven apps that modify data in real-time.
PayPal is one of the most prominent instances of a company that profited the most in terms of results by employing Nodejs. After switching to Node.js, the company’s average response time decreased by 35%, and pages were provided 200 milliseconds quicker. The event-driven design of Node.js is a crucial component that significantly boosts its speed.
Node js vs React js: Which is Better?
Both Node.js and React.js are cutting-edge solutions utilized by several prosperous enterprises.
Node.JS development is your best option if you want to build a complex and robust server-side web app development, dynamic web page content, or real-time data streaming such as any online streaming platform.
React.js is ideal for developing projects with state-changing virtual components, such as reactive inputs, switches, etc.
You may simultaneously utilize both frameworks for your web app development needs. Netflix is the best example for this use case because it is built using both, Node js for the backend and React js for the frontend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which technology is superior: Node.js or React.js?
Ans: As previously stated, Node.js and React.js both have their unique use cases. You may even use both for a single task that ultimately leads to a superior outcome. Therefore, drawing such a comparative analysis is unfair.
- Does React.js need Node.js?
Ans: No, react does not.
- Is react.js a frontend or backend technology?
Ans: React.js is a front-end javascript framework.