A web app development company recognizes the value of choosing the right technologies for any project. If you are building web or mobile applications, for example, you’ll have to choose between Node.js and Express.js, which are two of the most popular back-end run-time environments. The first thing you need to do is know and understand what these two are and why they are essential for your projects.
Node.js Defined and Explained
Node.js is a free and open-source multi-platform runtime environment that is built on JavaScript’s Chrome V8. Using an event-driven I/O model, it allows developers to write and execute codes efficiently.
Node.js adapts a single-thread event loop where the server and client can facilitate requests simultaneously, without waiting for the others to complete a running request. The most common layman’s example of a Node.js process is between a waiter and the chef working on customers’ orders. Following the Node.js concept,
- the waiter passes a customer’s order to the chef
- the chef cooks the customer’s order
- The waiter doesn’t have to wait for the order to be finished, so he proceeds to taking other customers’ orders.
Express.js Defined and Explained
Express.js is an open-source web app framework based on Node.js. It is known for its flexibility and minimalistic characteristic. It also has multiple features that allow developers to create different types of web applications – multipage, single, and hybrid. Express.js is ideal for a web app development company focused on making the process of building websites, APIs, and web applications easier and faster.
One of Express.js’ strongest features is its ability to manage multiple requests and responses for certain URLs. It helps simplify HTML generation.
Node.js versus Express.js: Features and Advantages
In this section, we will compare both platforms by enumerating their top features and advantages.
Node.js
- Event-driven and single-threaded. There is no time lost because Node.js APIs are non-blocking, which means the server moves on to another API instead of waiting for data to return before working on another API. Its single-threaded process encourages proficiency.
- Default package manager. This gives developers access to numerous JavaScript tools and libraries in the Node Package Manager (NPM). It has over 830,000 libraries and more than 10,000 are added every week.
- Highly-scalable. Scalable technologies allow businesses and projects a lot of room for growth. Node.js makes it easy for developers to add micro services and integrate new features to existing ones.
- Chrome V8 engine. Chrome’s V8 is highly functional, fast, and performance-driven. These features contribute significantly to Node.js’ efficiency.
- JavaScript programming language. Node.js is written in JavaScript, C, and C++. Additionally, it does not need Express.js to function.
- Enterprise-approved. Node.js allows developers to build real-time apps, such as those used for micro services, a popular application for enterprises.
- JavaScript coding. The coding is focused on both the server and client sides.
- Used in various areas. Aside from micro services apps, Node.js is also popular among developers of single-page applications and websites, data streaming apps, social networking apps, and IoT solutions.
Express.js
- Simple and easy to use. Express.js is ideal even for first-time programmers.
- One language used. Even though it is categorized as backend, it can be considered a full-stack dev because it uses a single language for both frontend and backend. This allows developers to build and finish applications in the fastest time possible. It also simplifies the process.
- It uses the Node.js platform. Since it’s based on Node.js, Express is more adaptable.
- Backend functionality. Express.js takes care of routing, sessions, error handling, and other backend details.
- Unopinionated framework. The Express framework makes integration easy. It allows developers freedom to choose which third-party services or middleware to use.
- Ideal uses. While Node.js is for server-side and event-driven apps, Express.js is for developers who want to create quality APIs and web apps in a fast and resourceful way. It is also recommended for small and medium-sized projects.
The Bottom-line
Node.js and Express.js are both parts of MEAN stack development, so whichever you choose guarantees a quality solution. Both have strong points that can contribute to the success of any web app development company project. Your choice boils down to which one best fits your goals.
If you want speed and minimal coding without affecting quality, go for Express.js. On the other hand, if you prefer a single-threaded approach, full-stack development, and not too time-consuming, go for Node.js. If you’re building small and medium-sized web apps and APIs, Express.js should be your top choice. If you are focused on creating IoT solutions and applications for larger, more complex projects, Node.js is the ideal option for you.
Therefore, to come up with the best decision, you need to know and understand your project – its concept, process, and objectives.
