Java vs Node JS — 26 Best Comparisons You Should Know to Choose
In 1995 the world of computing got the taste of its first revolution with the coming of Java followed soon by another great language, JavaScript.
For years and successive generations, these two languages dominated the development scene all over the globe.
Photo by Shahadat Rahman
Finally, Java has a new and robust competitor in NodeJS, another high-performance language that took the programming world and app developers by storm.
Well, Java has a robust foundation and several generations of developers and satisfied clients. On the other hand, NodeJS maybe a younger technology, but it became popular mainly by addressing all the shortcomings of Java.
This is why we are here to know the differences between these two languages.
Key Differences Between Java vs Node JS
Let’s start by pointing out the key differences between Java vs Node JS.
Java is a superb language for developing complex web-based, truly concurrent apps. In contrast, Node JS is good for building efficient small-sized app projects.Building apps with Java needs Java Development Kit comprising both Java compiler and runtime environment. Node JS, on the other hand, can just be installed with just an archive file.The Java source code allows compiling the code into bytecode, which is again converted to machine code that can be run across multiple machines. In contrast, the source code of Node JS is written in JavaScript.Java is thoroughly a server-side, browser-neutral language. On the other hand, Node JS supports both client and server-side projects.Java is extensively used for developing complex web-based apps. In contrast, NodeJS has been considered best for building collaborative apps. Java is an Object-Oriented programming language that can run inside JRE (Java Runtime Environment). At the same time, Node JS is a fully equipped cross-platform environment and runtime technology that is written in JavaScript. For big-sized projects that require concurrency, Java is ideal, while NodeJS cannot handle thread.For all intensive computing tasks that are best handled by Java while the I/O bound real-time chat interactions, media streaming apps can be best built with NodeJS.Java has already become a common programming language for the vast majority of enterprise apps, while the Node JS framework based on has just arrived.
Pros and cons of Java
Let us now briefly explain the pros and cons of Java.
Pros of Java -
Java boasts of solid computing language that evolved through decades and continued to get better.Java supports a wide range of libraries to help fast-paced development.Java Virtual Machine or JVM by allowing an array of unit tests helps with app stability.Great IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) and a whole array of collection or monitoring and debugging tools boost Java.Though Java is still criticized for a slower pace compared to NodeJS, with the use of Java framework thread-models, it can match the speed of NodeJS.Unmatched efficiency in computing.Great language for maintaining code.
Cons of Java
Slower development process compared to lean frameworks such as NodeJS. Java works only superbly whenever the code remains clean linear. In the case of unclean code, there is a risk if the entire server gets locked up.Using the tools and configuring them can grab a great amount of time.The migration of the code of an app built with Java can become an issue whenever you want to use the Java written business logic in the server.
When to choose Java?
What types of apps suit Java best? Well, all apps that use computer processing power intensively will find Java more powerful than other technologies. For bug fixing also Java always fares better because of the strongly typed code protocol and sources. In case your app is going to use an RDBMS (Relational Database Management System), Java should be embraced.
Pros and cons of NodeJS
Let’s now look at the pros and cons of NodeJS.
Pros of NodeJS
NodeJS is a leaner technology with a much lower learning curve.Fast-paced development is a key advantage of NodeJS. As the framework can compile code very efficiently, it can build apps faster.While in Java to use a reactive style of coding, you need to go through too many complications, with NodeJS the reactive style comes out if the box.NodeJS also offers reusability of code to enhance productivity.It allows developers to render JavaScript on the server and also on the client-side. This helps developers to do away with the need for learning the syntax of a relatively new framework.
Cons of NodeJS
NodeJS does not offer several IDEs like Java, and this enhances complexity and unease for the developers.NodeJS is a JavaScript framework, and the JavaScript frameworks as a whole are not as mature and evolved as Java.
When using NodeJS?
Node.js is the ideal framework perfect for developing lean and fast-paced web and mobile apps as well as real-time apps like live streaming, instant messaging, chat, etc. Any app working with Microservices architecture can find this framework ideal fir fulfilling the project objective.
Conclusion
As of now, Java remains the uncontested de-facto programming language for countless development projects. While the popularity of Java is not going to erode anytime soon, frameworks and technologies like NodeJS will continue to prosper and make things brighter.
Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
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