Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python: Which Backend Technology to Choose in 2022?
Today, coming up with a game-changing app idea for your web application is just half the battle. You’ll have to make numerous crucial decisions to make your idea a great success.
Choosing the right technology stack – especially backend technology that powers your entire web application would be the first and foremost decision. It’s not an easy feat as there are many backend technologies out there with popular ones – Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python.
Table of Contents
- ⦁What is Backend Development?
- ⦁An Overview to Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python
- ⦁Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python – A Detailed Comparison
- ⦁A Quick Comparison – Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python
- ⦁Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python – Which One is Better in 2021?
- ⦁A Cost-Effective Development Approach: Hire Remote Developers
To help you pick the right backend technology for your dream project, we came up with this comparison – Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python – based on numerous factors such as community support, market popularity, architecture and more.
Is it your first time choosing the technology for the backend part of yourweb developmentproject? If so, we recommend you have a look at what backend development means before you proceed further to more technical aspects.
What is Backend Development?
Also known as a server-side development of websites and apps, backend development is everything that’s not visible to users and happens behind the scenes when users perform any action on a website. Thus, the primary role of backend developers is to make sure that end users get the information they requested without a hassle.
Backend developers possess expertise in backend languages and frameworks to help you build the backend structure of your web application.
Did you know? According to the2021 JetBrains Developer Ecosystem Survey,71% of developers work on the backend part of web development.
Thus, it means you can easily find a backend developer. But before you hire a backend developer for your project, it’s important to first figure out which backend technology is ideal for your web development project. Read on to make an informed decision!
Also Read(ThatMight Interest You):How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Web Developer?
An Overview to Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python
Node.js, PHP and Python are popular backend technologies that are used to build web applications. Each framework has its own unique advantages and limitations.
Before getting to the in-depth comparison of Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python, let’s first have a look at a quick overview of each technology. This will help you understand key differences between each technology.
What is Node.js?
Node.jsis a cross-platform, open-source and backend JavaScript-based runtime environment for building server-side and networking apps. It provides an extensive library of numerous JavaScript modules that simplifies the web application development process.
Developers prefer Node.jsas it operates on a single thread – able to handle concurrent events simultaneously.
Here are key features of Node.js:
- ⦁Asynchronous and non-blocking I/O system that ensure scalability and high performance
- ⦁Support both frontend and backend in JavaScript
- ⦁Cross-platform framework todevelopapplications for Windows, Mac and Linux
- ⦁Highly customizable
- ⦁Eradicates the need to re-execute the code with its caching facility
What is PHP?
PHPor Hypertext Preprocessor is a server-side scripting language. This general-purpose scripting programming language that can be easily embedded with the HTML codes is ideal for building dynamic websites and web applications.
It is an open-source and cross-platform language. Thus, applications built using PHP can run across different platforms including Windows, Linux and more.
Here are key features of PHP:
- ⦁It includes pre-written and ready-to-use codes that speed up the development
- ⦁Support many database services which include MySQL, Oracle, Sybase and more
- ⦁Comes with in-built security features for protection against common security threats such as SQL injections, data tampering and more
- ⦁PHP based applications are supported by numerous cloud services such as AWS
What is Python?
Pythonis a general-purpose, high-level, object-oriented programming language often used to develop websites and software, perform data analysis and automate tasks. Thus, it is not confined to backend web development.
When it comes to web development, Python’s role can include but not limited to processing data, interacting with databases, sending data to/from servers, URL routing and more.
Here are key features of Python:
- ⦁Simple syntax, making Python easier to understand and learn
- ⦁Comes with a lot of in-built modules and libraries
- ⦁Platform-independent – means applications built using Python run across different platforms including Windows, Mac and Linux.
- ⦁Dynamically typed language – unlike Java.
Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python – A Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s go more in-depth and compare all these backend technologies on the basis of key factors that you should consider while determining which one to pick for your project.
Use Cases
Have a look at common use cases of Node.js, PHP and Python as the backend technology for web development and some of the widely known apps built with these technologies.
Node.js
There are widely popular apps built using Node.js including but not limited to Netflix, PayPal, Uber, Groupon, NASA and LinkedIn.
Therefore, Node.js as backend technology is ideal for building:
- ⦁Real-time chat and collaboration applications
- ⦁Social media applications
- ⦁Ridesharing apps
- ⦁IoT apps
- ⦁Microservices
PHP
Famous apps and websites built using PHP include but are not limited to Facebook, Tumblr, Slack, WordPress, Etsy and more.
Therefore, PHP as backend technology is ideal for building:
- ⦁Content management systems
- ⦁GUI-based applications
- ⦁Websites & web applications
- ⦁eCommerce applications
- ⦁Data representation
Python
Python is the preferred programming language over others to develop the backend part of websites and web apps for many leading companies such as Google, Spotify, Netflix, Facebook and more.
Considering that, Python as backend technology is ideal for building:
- ⦁MVP development
- ⦁Enterprise applications
- ⦁Game development
- ⦁Websites & web applications
Market Popularity and Community
Let’s have a look at the popularity of each technology in the market and how vast is community around each backend technology.
a) According to Google Trends
As per Google Trends, the interest over time for Python has remained high over other backend technologies – Node.js and PHP for the last five years.
b) According to the Developer Survey by StackOverflow
Node.js
As per the2021 Developer Survey by StackOverflow, Node.js is the sixth most popular technology among developers.
PHP
According to the same survey, PHP is the eleventh most popular technology among developers. PHP is used by 21.98% of developers. Witnessing the trend, the number will drop – in 2018, it was 30.7% and 26.2% in 2020.
Python
As per the same survey,Pythonis the third most popular technology among developers.
Architecture
When selecting backend technology, it’s important to look at what type of architecture does technology support as it influences the overall performance and scalability of the web application. So, let’s have a look!
Node.js
Node.js uses the Single Threaded Event Loop architecture to manage multiple concurrent requests without any limitation. Also, it allows developers to use an MVC or MVP architecture model.
PHP
When it comes to PHP, there are so many frameworks to choose from including Laravel,Codeigniter,CakePHPand most of them support MVC architectures.
Also Read (That Might Interest You): How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Laravel Developer?
Python
Unlike Node.js, Python doesn’t support multithreading. Like PHP, there are many Python frameworks with Django being the most popular one that follows Model View Template (MVT) architecture.
Database Support
When working with a database, you would indeed like to know whether the backend technology you have selected is supported by databases you’re familiar with. Isn’t, it right? So, let’s have a look at database support for each technology.
Node.js
Node.js provides support for all kinds of databases –irrespective of the relational database or NoSQL database. Which one you should pick depends upon the purpose and complexity of your web development project.
PHP
PHP provides support for many databases including MySQL, Oracle, Db2, MariaDB, SQLite, MongoDB and PostgreSQL.
Python
Yes, Python supports numerous databases including but not limited to SQLite, Oracle, Sybase, MySQL, PostgreSQL and more.
Budget Consideration
Before hiring a backend developer for a particular skill – Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python, you should know the average salary of the skill. This, in turn, will help you define the budget for your dream web development project.
As perthe 2021Developer Survey byStackOverflow, Node.js, PHP and Python are all ranking in the list of top paying technologies with Python beating the other two.
Node.js
With developers around the world showing a keen interest in Node.js, finding Node.js developers for your development needsisquite easy. As Node.js is one of the highest paying skills, be ready to spend some extra bucks if you want to hire a Node.js developer.
Nevertheless, the technical skillset of Node.js developers include:
- ⦁Knowledge of Node.js frameworks such as Express
- ⦁Knowledge of asynchronous programming and front-end technologies
- ⦁Database management
PHP
While there are now many newer and more interesting backend frameworks and technologies, PHP still has a demand in the market. It also means you won’t find much hassle while hiring a PHP developer for your needs.
The technical skill set of PHP developers include:
- ⦁Expertise in PHP and MVC architecture
- ⦁Knowledge of front-end technologies such as CSS, HTML, JavaScript
- ⦁Familiarity with databases – SQL/NoSQL
Python
Being one of the oldest programming languages, Python has a large community. It also means you can easily find junior to senior-level backend developers for hire. The technical skill set of PHP developers include:
- ⦁Strong expertise in Core Python
- ⦁Good knowledge of web frameworks
- ⦁Expertise in front-end technologies
A Quick Comparison – Node.js vs.PHP vs.Python
Here’s what you should know from a detailed comparison of three popular backend technologies.
| Attributes | Node.js | PHP | Python |
| Type | JavaScript Runtime Environment | Programming Language | Programming Language |
| Architecture | Single Threaded Event Loop & MVC/MVP | MVC | Doesn’t Support Multithreading |
| Database Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Use Cases | Netflix, PayPal | Facebook, WordPress | Spotify, Google |
| Scalability | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Error Handling | Challenging | Bit Challenging | Easy |
| Speed | Faster than both | Faster than Python, Lower than Node.js | Fast |
| Universality | Cross-platform, full-stack | Cross-platform, back-end | Cross-platform, full-stack |
| Learning Curve | Simpler | Simpler | Simpler |
| Popularity (As Per Google Trends) | Low | Medium | High |
| Popularity (As Per2021StackOverflowSurvey) | Medium | Low | High |
| GitHub Stars | 81.8k | 31.3k | 40.3k |
| Community Support | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Budget Requirement | High | Low | Higher than both |
Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python – Which One is Better in 2021?
Every backend technology mentioned here is being used by industry leaders. So, one thing is sure that all of these technologies are great options when it comes to the backend part of web development. And which one is ideal for your particular project? It depends on the specifics of your project – especially the kind of web application you want to develop.
Considering the previous use cases, every technology is admired by businesses across different verticals. So, no matter what your business genre is, you can give thought to all of these backend technologies. This will also help you make a more informed decision.
You should know that you can always take expert advice fromInfoStride’stechnology experts on picking the right technology stack for your project – especially if it’s your first time.
A Cost-Effective Development Approach: Hire Remote Developers
Hiring an in-house developer can burn a hole in your pocket considering all the related costs you would have to bear – training costs, infrastructure costs and high local employment rates. That’s the reason why companies now embrace remote working and tend to hire remote developers.
You can save a lot by hiring developers elsewhere – especially in a country with lower wages like India while saving on training and infrastructure expenses.
We atInfoStridestrive to help companies of any size deploy adedicated remote development teamwith flexible engagement models to choose from. Whether you want to hire remote developers on a full-time, hourly, part-time or project basis, you can count on us.
What you’ll get by hiring remote developers fromInfoStride:
- ⦁Well-trained and experienced developers with the skill required for your project
- ⦁Remote-ready infrastructure for your remote team to start working on your project
- ⦁Onboard remote developers who will work according to yourtime zoneand possess strong communication skills to avoid the language barrier
- ⦁Developers for every phase of your project – design, development, testing, maintenance and support
- ⦁We take on all legal employment concerns – onboarding, payroll, compliance to offboarding
Interested? Get in touch with us today to discuss your project requirements or clear any doubts you have in mind about hiring remote developers.
Also Read:How to Recruit and Hire Remote Employees – Then Retain Them?
Conclusion
When it comes to stating the best backend technology among Node.js,PHP and Python, there is no straightforward answer to that.
You should make a decision only after carefully evaluating the specifics of your project that involves everything from an app idea to budget requirements. Whatever you decide, you can then hire a remote backend developer with the skill and expertise required to turn your app idea into reality.
What are your thoughts on Node.js vs. PHP vs. Python? Is there any clear winner among all these backend technologies? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
What to choose in 2022 NodeJS vs Python? ›
Python is recommended for backend development. However, you could use Node. js both for backend as well as frontend development.
Which is better for backend Python or NodeJS? ›NodeJS vs Python Comparison
Node js is faster and used to build both client and server-side network applications because it can handle higher memory in demands, while Python is not so good choice for memory-intensive apps but an ideal choice for back end applications.
While talking about PHP vs NodeJS, Node. js is an asynchronous, event-driven, and non-blocking programming language, whereas PHP is a synchronous programming language. This means that Node. js is a better option for speeding up the development process than PHP.
Which is better for backend Python or PHP? ›If your goal is to develop web applications, you should learn PHP first. If you're into data science and machine learning, you should learn Python first. If you're a beginner looking to learn a new language, you should choose Python as it is easy to understand and has a less steep learning curve.
Is NodeJS still in demand 2022? ›Node. js development has become very popular over the last four years and continues to stand the competition in 2022 making startups worldwide choose it over other available options.
Should I learn Python or JavaScript 2022? ›If the project requires intensive use of data and complex operations, Python is the best choice, because Python allows the integration of AI and big data operations.
Why nodejs is better than PHP or Python? ›Due to the V8 engine, asynchronous execution, and real-time server interaction, Node. js offers a better execution speed and certainly outperforms PHP.
Why choose Python over nodejs? ›Python is usually preferred for server-side development, though there are libraries that can support frontend development. It can also be used for developing standalone apps for desktop and mobile. Node. js is an ideal platform for building real-time web applications, gaming, and ecommerce platforms.
Which database is best for Python backend? ›- MySQL. MySQL databases are frequently created in Python. ...
- PostgreSQL. The database was once known as POSTGRES. ...
- Oracle. For business databases, Oracle is becoming a more famous choice. ...
- MongoDB. ...
- Redis. ...
- Neo4j. ...
- Cassandra. ...
- SQLite.
So, if you want to stay practical yet straightforward, PHP is a reliable option. With the current trends being AI and ML, if you're going to go with the latest technological advancements, then Python frameworks will work best for you as they have AI and ML capabilities.
Is PHP still in demand in 2022? ›
In the developer community, a lot of people started thinking of PHP as an outdated language that has no place in the IT industry by 2022. However, data show that around 80% of websites are still written on PHP.
Is PHP good for backend in 2022? ›This is viable even in 2022 because PHP is versatile across operating systems. For example, you can run it across Windows and its modern variants or use it on OSX or Linux. If every web application or website starts using a different language for its modernization efforts, development costs will skyrocket.
Should I use node JS or PHP for backend? ›It's better to use Node. js when building a real-time application. At the same time, PHP is a superior option for integrating or customizing any popular CMS for your project. Both tools have a low barrier of entry, with bustling communities and readily available learning resources.
Which is in demand PHP or Python? ›Choice of Web Frameworks - Python Wins
The most usedPHP based web frameworksare Codeigniter, Zend, Laravel, Symfony, etc. Django is known to be extremely fast, scalable, secure and easy-to-use. It is quite robust and powerful and is used widely in a large number of applications.
If your aim is to become a backend developer, then Node. js is definitely a great choice. Some people ask if they should learn PHP in 2023. Well, the answer is, you should not.
Should I learn Node JS or django in 2022? ›According to the Most used web frameworks among developers worldwide, as of 2022, Node. js is in the first place and overtook React. js. Looking at the survey, 47.12% of respondents claimed to be using Node, while 42.62% used React.
Will node replace Python? ›No, because Node. js works with JavaScript, and Python has CPython.
Should I learn Python or JavaScript in 2023? ›Is Python worth learning in 2023? Yes, Python is a programming language worth learning in 2023. Python is an easy-to-learn and versatile language that boosts the coding skills of developers. As per a Statista survey, 48.2 percent of developers worldwide use Python.
Should I master Python or JavaScript? ›You can start with Javascript, which is used for front-end programming, if you are a newbie web programmer. Python, on the other hand, is the best choice if you want to learn a language primarily for back-end programming.
Which is more in demand Python or JavaScript? ›The most popular programming language is JavaScript, citing the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022 (10th in a row).
Is PHP enough for backend? ›
PHP is an excellent cover for all backend needs of eCommerce solutions, especially for WordPress, Magento, OpenCart, Drupal, Joomla, and PyroCMS. If you will use database management systems such as MySQL, Sybase, Oracle, Postgresql, and MariaDB, PHP is preferred.
Which is faster Python or NodeJS? ›js has an advantage over Python in speed because Node. js is based on Chrome's powerful V8 engine, it runs quicker than Python. Mainly, Node. js is used for mobile real-time apps.
Should I learn PHP or NodeJS first? ›While PHP may feel faster to code, Node. js provides much better application speed. Its non-blocking IO model gives developers the ability to deploy solutions that perform significantly quicker. Legacy PHP code is known to be slow.
Is Python good for backend? ›Having many advantages, from the ease of learning to a large number of frameworks that simplify the development process, Python is often used for backend web application development. In addition, Python is well-equipped to work with analytics, calculations, AI and ML, and statistics.
Why nodejs is preferred for backend? ›Node. js is also fast and lightweight, and its ability to employ JavaScript code on both the frontend and backend opens up new development possibilities. Our developer community will be significantly more efficient and cross-functional as a result of the frontend and backend flexibility, lowering development expenses.
Should I learn Python Django or node JS? ›Although in terms of complexity, Node. js is less complicated than Django, there are several features that you need to consider when choosing between the two frameworks. So, if you are an experienced professional in JavaScript or have enough time to learn and implement it, Node. js is the way to go.
Which big companies use Python for backend? ›Fintech startups and traditional financial institutions alike rely on Python as part of their tech stack as well. Python is used by Intel, IBM, NASA, Pixar, Netflix, Facebook, JP Morgan Chase, Spotify, and a number of other massive companies.
Which language is best for backend for database? ›- JavaScript. JavaScript is undoubtedly a leader of backend languages. ...
- Python. In 2022, Python is the choice of 48% of developers. ...
- PHP. PHP is an open-source backend programming language created back in 1994. ...
- Golang. ...
- C# ...
- Rust. ...
- TypeScript.
- MySQL. MySQL is an open-source relational database management system developed and maintained by Oracle. ...
- PostgreSQL. ...
- SQLite. ...
- MongoDB. ...
- Microsoft SQL Server. ...
- Redis. ...
- MariaDB. ...
- Elasticsearch.
PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a widely-used open-source programming language that is particularly well-suited for web development. With the rise of web technologies, the demand for PHP developers has never been higher, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn a new programming language in 2023.
Which is faster PHP or Python? ›
Which is more powerful, Python or PHP? PHP developers have improved the programming language such that it is faster than Python and many other languages. If developers need to process huge amounts of data, high speed may greatly improve performance, and hence, PHP may be a good option.
Should I learn Python or PHP? ›Syntax: PHP vs. Python. The syntax of a language defines its readability and ease of writing, and in terms of syntax, Python is much simpler and more readable as it resembles a lot with the English language, while PHP has a wide range of conventions which makes it less easy to understand.
Which programming language is best for getting job in 2022? ›C++ C++ is a popular programming language to know for getting Indian jobs in 2022. It is a general-purpose programming language as an extension of C.
What is the best for backend in 2022? ›- ASP.NET.
- Django.
- Express.
- Ruby on Rails.
- Laravel.
- Golang.
It is among the top programming languages in demand. Apple and Microsoft have also supported PHP as a part of their IDE (Integrated Development Environments). Hence, PHP development in 2023 has a great career scope for beginners.
What to use for backend in 2022? ›- ASP.NET Core. First released in 2016, ASP.NET Core is an open-source version of ASP.NET. ...
- Laravel and Laravel Lumen. ...
- Express.js. ...
- Spring Boot. ...
- Django. ...
- Ruby on Rails (RoR) ...
- Flask. ...
- NestJS.
Node. js is a JavaScript framework that enables executing JS code on the server, making it an alternative to PHP.
Which is faster node or PHP? ›With a combination of modern-day programming functions, Node. js can execute programs faster than PHP and most other programming languages like Python, Java, Go, and so on.
Why choose PHP for backend? ›Probably the greatest advantage of PHP is the availability of CMSs like WordPress or Drupal. These solutions may greatly facilitate and even make web development cheaper. PHP can also be extended with any LAMP stack technology and such server solutions as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
Should I switch from PHP to Python? ›If you've started learning PHP, then stick to it. Once you master it fully, you can switch to Python and learn it as well. PHP is still a very popular programming language, so don't switch just for the sake of switching. However, if you are a beginner, Python is the easier choice.
Does PHP have a future? ›
For 2023, PHP projects, to hold 49.7% of the market share, making it the most popular programming language. The future of PHP development is bright as it has the Laravel framework– the favorite among the developers' community.
Is Python more powerful than PHP? ›Compared to PHP, coding is easier to grasp with Python. PHP is not an ordinary programming language as it's used only for designing dynamic website pages with HTML. It makes PHP less productive than Python. Hence, in terms of ease of use, Python triumphs over PHP.
What is the best backend language 2023? ›- JavaScript: The high-level, platform-independent, versatile, and lightweight qualities make it the most preferred backend programming language. ...
- SQL: SQL, as a query language, provides a reliable way to manipulate your backend for top-tier performance. ...
- Python: ...
- Java: ...
- PHP: ...
- Golang: ...
- Kotlin: ...
- Ruby:
JavaScript and Python, two of the most popular languages in the startup industry, are in high demand. Most startups use Python-based backend frameworks such as Django (Python), Flask (Python), and NodeJS (JavaScript). These languages are also considered to be the best programming languages to learn for beginners.
Is node js worth learning 2022? ›Learning Node will make you a stronger developer. Node. js is a powerful tool that will make you a better developer in ways you might not even realize at first. It'll give you a deeper understanding of how servers work, and help you build scalable applications with ease.
Should I use Python or Nodejs? ›Python is usually preferred for server-side development, though there are libraries that can support frontend development. It can also be used for developing standalone apps for desktop and mobile. Node. js is an ideal platform for building real-time web applications, gaming, and ecommerce platforms.
Is Python still useful in 2022? ›Python tied for first among Stack Overflow's “most wanted” technologies for 2022. It also ranks highly as one of the most popular languages and technology tools. As of May 2023, it is no. 1 in the TIOBE Index, a ranking it held in 2022 as well.
Should I learn node js or Django in 2022? ›According to the Most used web frameworks among developers worldwide, as of 2022, Node. js is in the first place and overtook React. js. Looking at the survey, 47.12% of respondents claimed to be using Node, while 42.62% used React.
Is it better to learn PHP or Node JS? ›It's better to use Node. js when building a real-time application. At the same time, PHP is a superior option for integrating or customizing any popular CMS for your project. Both tools have a low barrier of entry, with bustling communities and readily available learning resources.
Which backend language is best for web development? ›- Python. Python is one of the most powerful and best multi-purpose languages used for Web Development, as well as data analysis. ...
- PHP. PHP is one of the best languages for Web Development. ...
- Java. ...
- C#
Is Node JS worth learning in 2023? ›
If your aim is to become a backend developer, then Node. js is definitely a great choice. Some people ask if they should learn PHP in 2023. Well, the answer is, you should not.
Should I learn Python or JavaScript for backend? ›You can start with Javascript, which is used for front-end programming, if you are a newbie web programmer. Python, on the other hand, is the best choice if you want to learn a language primarily for back-end programming.
What is the future of Python in 2023? ›Expect Python's ranking to rise by another 50 percent in 2023 after an impressive growth of about 50 percent in the last year. The popularity of Python is increasing despite it being a mainstream language. Thanks to the many libraries available, Python is mostly a preferred language for various machine learning tasks.
Is Python in demand 2023? ›Yes, Python is a programming language worth learning in 2023. Python is an easy-to-learn and versatile language that boosts the coding skills of developers. As per a Statista survey, 48.2 percent of developers worldwide use Python.
Is learning Python worth it in 2023? ›In conclusion, learning Python is a must in 2023 for many reasons. It is a versatile language that can be used for a variety of tasks, from web development to data science. It is also easy to learn and has a large community of developers who can help you out.
Which is best for backend NodeJS or Django? ›Node. js is better when it comes to building scalable apps that can handle several requests, especially because when you create scalable apps, you will need more flexibility for designing various features of the app. Django also allows you to handle several requests and applications of high traffic.
Are NodeJS developers in demand 2022? ›Node. js is one of the best JavaScript cross-platform environments to execute JavaScript codes outside a web browser. No wonder Node js jobs are in high demand and have been among the top jobs to check out in 2022.
Is there future in NodeJS? ›According to Stack Overflow Research, NodeJS is a popular framework for backend development and is used by many developers worldwide. The framework is seen as the future of backend technologies.