Node.js vs Java: Complete Comparison Guide

By Bhavik Trivedi

Node.js and Java are two competitive programming frameworks that are used by developers in current time. There are situations when there arises a confusion regarding which one to choose- Nodejs or Java. Hence we are presenting a step-wise comparison guide on Node.js vs Java that will help you choose the best framework for your next project.

In this article we will discuss some major comparison points between Node and Java. At the end of this article, we ensure that you will be able to differentiate between these two frameworks easily and can also pick the best out of both.

Along with description, we will see pros, cons and uses of each of these frameworks. So, let’s begin with the article then!

Node.js vs Java- How to compare?

There are various factors of comparison between Node.js and Java. Here we will discuss more about the primary factors of difference between Node and Java. So, let’s begin with understanding each language first.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a JS runtime environment that is based on and created using Chrome v8 engine. This JS engine translates JavaScript code calls into a machine code. This framework helps developers to use JavaScript outside the browser. 

Ryan Dahl, an American developer developed Node.js in 2009. The primary purpose of Node.js was to develop scalable network servers. 

Node.js helps in developing frontend and backend for mobile apps and other project development. The main advantage of Node.js is that it connects with devices with the use of APIs. It can also connect with libraries that are written in other languages.

Advantages of Node.js

• Most popular frontend framework
• Easy to learn framework for developers having basic knowledge of JS
• Active and Huge community support
• Used for using JavaScript code out of any browser
• It can be used as a Full-stack development framework because it helps in developing backend and frontend

Node.js is preferable if you want to

• Make a web app for streaming content
• Build a performant single-page appṣ
• Browser-based game applications
• A real-time multi-user web application

What is Java?

Java is an object-oriented and typified programming language that was created in Sun Microsystems back in 1991. James Gosling and Patrick Naughton created Java. This framework was known as Oak, and now it’s known as Java and is widely used in developing apps.

The majority of the syntax inside Java is taken from C++, as well as its core ideas have only been slightly altered. A Java project can be executed with just the Java Development Kit (JDK), which is included in Java itself. One of the main benefits of this technology is the conversion of Java code to bytecode, which might execute on any computer that has Java regardless of their Operating Systems.

Let’s compare these two languages on the basis of different factors.

Advantages of Java

• Better security
• Better readability
• Easy to maintain and install
• Good interoperability
• Cost-effective app development

Java is preferable if you want to

• Make enterprise applications
• Build a highly scalable application
• Build eCommerce and large Data applications.
• Create cryptocurrency app with high safety features

Key Differences of Java and Node JS

Here we will see some key differences between Node js and Java:

Node.js:

• Node.js is generally used for developing small-sized projects.
• It has to be installed using installable archive file
• In node.js the source code in the source file is JS and the Node interpreter will interpret and execute the JS code.
• Node.js can be used for client and also server-side.
• It is an amazing alternative for building real-time applications used for drawing or editing just like Google docs.
• Node is a cross-platform environment for apps written using JS
• It does not have the concept of multi-threading
• Nodejs revolves around JavaScript and it can achieve parallelism easily. This makes it different from concurrency.

Java

• Java is an amazing option for developing complex, highly-concurrent apps.
• The Java Development Kit includes a Java compiler that helps to run Java code on different machines regardless of the OS in the machine.
• Java source code is compiled in bytecode that further converts into machine code. It needs to run on different platforms.
• Java is the most popular programming language in the world that helps with easy mobile app development and also helps in effective game development.

Comparison Table of Node.js vs Java

These are some common factors of comparison between Java and Node.js. After learning about these points, we hope that you can easily distinguish between Java and Node js. So, choose wisely between these frameworks depending upon your project requirements and type of app you want to create.

Concluding Words

In the end, we cannot say that Java is better than Node or vice versa because both have their own pros, cons and uses. Depending on the requirements of your application or software, you can consult your app development partner, and ask for their suggestion on which language to choose for your business app development. 

Smarsh Infotech is one of the top-notch software development service outsourcing companies. Our team of skilled developers will help you quickly develop your business application. Let’s discuss your app requirements and begin the development process soon.

About The Author
I’m Bhavik Trivedi, Director of Smarsh Infotech—a leading Custom Software development company that provides offshore developers at competitive rates. I am passionate about implementing the latest technology-related stuff and building profitable tech businesses. I love talking about the futuristic technologies and their usefulness in the world. I am always open to sharing my knowledge and passion about the latest tech things!