PHP vs. NodeJS - For Backend Apps with a Long Shelf Life

Table of Contents

Selecting the right technology is the key to achieving success in software development. It would help if you had a solid foundation to build an effective structure. That’s why back-end development plays a critical role. Many companies over the internet owe their success to continuous improvement in front-end and back-end development.

The front end means everything you see and interact with on a website or an app. Back-end development means everything behind a website that does not meet the eye. PHP and Node.js are the most popular languages used for Backend development.

If you go by the recent stats on w3techs, 77.4% of websites use PHP as a server-side programming language. While node.js is a relatively new backend language, it has grown its user base among developers over the years.

What is Backend Development?

A website’s server side, or backend, controls how the client-side functions, organizes, and stores data. The backend plays a significant role in the background by improving a site's functionality even if it doesn't directly interact with users.

What is mobile app backend?

The brain of a mobile app is the backend of the app. The backend handles data processing, storage, and security, among other things. Your mobile app's backend runs on the server and is invisible to you, which is essential to its functionality.

What Does a Mobile Backend Include?

• Independent data processing and storage from the capabilities of a smartphone
• Synchronizing and exchanging data between many platforms and devices
• Updates to the mobile app's content
• Controlling the business logic of the app
• Regulating access to data through permission and authentication

PHP vs. Node.JS – Which is Better for Developing Backend Apps with Long Shelf Life?

PHP

PHP is simple to incorporate into web pages. It has simple interoperability with web technologies; this characteristic has played a significant role in the language's success. PHP works for multiple database integration, including MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. PHP and other programming languages run atop frameworks that simplify the creation of websites.

PHP for Backend in Android App Development

PHP is old technology in the software development world. It is super popular with developers for CMS and WordPress. There are unlimited applications built into WordPress. WordPress provides versatility and scalability to your application.

For PHP backend for Android applications, it is a fantastic programming language. It necessitates Android login and authentication, which are normal and necessary circumstances. When performing the following operations, it is preferable to use PHP:

• Collect form data
• Create dynamic web material
• Transfer cookies
• Create command-line scripting
• Create server-side scripting 

Node.js

To create scalable network applications, you can use Node.js. This open-source, cross-platform back-end JavaScript runtime environment runs on a JavaScript Engine and executes JavaScript code outside a web browser.

Node.js for Backend in Android App Development

Because of its high lightweight and versatility, Node.js has recently increased in popularity. Node.js has an extensive library of JavaScript plugins to make programming easier. As Node.js has open-source architecture, it has helped the technology grow in popularity. As per the modern trends, the usage of Node.JS is widespread among developers.

Some popular websites and apps with backends developed in Node.js are Netflix, PayPal, LinkedIn, etc.

Here's a comparison between the latest version of Node.js - Node.js 21 and PHP 8.3:

Note: This table provides a concise comparison between Node.js 21 and PHP 8.3, highlighting key features, performance updates, and other relevant aspects. The choice between them depends on specific project requirements and the preferred language for development.

When to Choose PHP?

PHP has a massive community, many frameworks, a robust codebase, documentation, and other resources. All this makes it easy to learn and build various web applications.

You should consider choosing PHP if you need an e-commerce service or a blog. Focusing on PHP is also the right choice if you work with a LAMP stack that includes PHP together with Linux Apache and MySQL. PHP environment is also more mature.

Use cases for PHP

When working on a central server

PHP will be ideal if you do not want to scale your application across numerous servers. The LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) stack is an option.

For portability, affordability, and flexibility

Web hosting is highly affordable, and PHP servers are readily available. PHP can run on any platform with Apache, IIS, and a supporting database system. CMS like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla supports PHP. PHP apps are less expensive, mobile, and simpler to set up.

For reliable database connectivity

making it simple to use PHP to connect to practically any form of a database. This increases the flexibility in choosing the desired database. It is advised to use PHP with relational databases.

When to Choose Node.js?

Due to its extensive and adaptable features, NodeJS is the best option for developing server-side applications. Additionally, NodeJS provides quick data processing and client-server communication. It is worthwhile to utilize since developers may reuse and share code for both the frontend and backend components of the application.

NodeJS adheres to two ideas:

• Non-Blocking, I/O — NodeJS works on several client-side requests simultaneously, and it doesn't block any input requests while another is being answered.
• Asynchronous: When we get another request, it resolves the previous one and makes space for the new one.

Well-known businesses use NodeJS, like Uber, PayPal, Netflix, Walmart, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even NASA, for server-side programming.

Node.js use cases:

For real-time data

Applications that demand real-time data benefit greatly from Node.js. However, using Node.js for financial applications adds to complications, as in Node.js, everything is either an integer or a float. There isn't much differentiation between the various types of numerical variables. Therefore, use a more dynamic language while working on financial applications that demand a lot of processing or a dependable library.

To enhance the speed of apps.

When it comes to speed of execution, Node.js beats PHP. Therefore, Node.js is a better option than PHP if speed is a need for your application (maybe a browser-based multiplayer game or a chat application).

Suppose your project involves multiple stacks/technologies, such as the MEAN stack (MongoDB, ExpressJs, AngularJs), dynamic single-page applications, server-side technologies, and front-end technologies like AngularJs, Backbone.Js, or React Js. In that case, Node.js will be the best choice to use. This makes it simpler to use Javascript as the same language throughout your entire stack.

To make it simpler for the developers, you may also use the Typescript library of Node.js when working on an Angular project. The mean stack is also simpler to scale across several servers than the LAMP stack.

What are the Commonalities between PHP vs. Node.js

• Both Node.js and PHP process routed requests on servers.
• Since Node.js and PHP are both open source and have thriving add-on ecosystems, you can modify the source code and work it in a way that works best for your project.
• js and PHP let you develop without interfering with your workflow on the identical implementation page.
• PHP and Node.js are both cross-platform languages. Both can function on Linux, Mac OS X, or Windows, and Node.js can even run on SunOS.
• Both Node.js and PHP handle web requests and connections rather effectively.

Comparing PHP vs. Node.js

Assistance and support

PHP has a fantastic handbook on php.net and twenty years of frequently asked questions, thus, it excels in support. Even though Node.js is a relatively new technology, it provides excellent documentation.

Development Kit

A wide variety of editors, IDEs, debuggers, validators, and other tools are available for both technologies. Although Node.js provides a fantastic tool called NPM, you can designate this as a draw. It is a package manager that allows you to manage dependencies and modules.

Environment

Although PHP allows you to create console tools used on the server side, with the introduction of Node.js, it is now possible to build desktop and mobile applications and microcontroller programs.

Integration

If you want to integrate databases and drivers with development technology, this is an area where PHP excels. Years of development have gone into it, and its system extensions enable direct communication with any host that supports the API.  Although Node.js is quickly catching up, finding current integration for outdated components could be difficult.

Speed and Performance

Some legitimate initiatives speed up PHP. The hack created by Facebook aimed to improve speed and performance with PHP. PHP has several benefits over node.js.

Case study – Know how our PHP developers help a client from the eCommerce industry redesign an entire website with PHP Laravel enhanced to resolve existing security issues and to improve performance.

Examples of Use of Node.js in Software Development:

1. Real-time Applications:

Node.js is well-suited for building real-time applications like chat applications, online gaming, and collaborative tools, where handling multiple simultaneous connections is crucial.

1. APIs and Microservices:

Node.js is commonly used for building lightweight and scalable APIs and microservices due to its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, which allows for efficient handling of concurrent requests.

1. Single-Page Applications (SPAs):

Node.js, combined with frameworks like Express.js, is popular for developing SPAs, enabling seamless server-client communication and providing a smooth user experience.

1. IoT (Internet of Things):

In IoT applications, Node.js is used for handling real-time data streaming, device communication, and managing the event-driven nature of IoT systems.

1. Streaming Services:

Node.js is effective for building streaming services, such as video and audio streaming platforms, where real-time processing and delivery of content are critical.

1. Collaborative Tools:

Applications that require real-time collaboration, like document editing tools and project management platforms, benefit from Node.js's ability to handle concurrent connections efficiently.

Examples of Use of PHP in Software Development:

1. Web Development:

PHP is a widely-used server-side scripting language for web development, powering a large number of websites and content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

1. E-commerce Platforms:

Many e-commerce solutions, including Magento and WooCommerce, rely on PHP to create dynamic and feature-rich online shopping platforms.

1. Server-Side Scripting:

PHP is designed for server-side scripting, making it suitable for generating dynamic web pages and handling form submissions.

1. Content Management Systems (CMS):

PHP is a popular choice for building content-heavy websites and CMS platforms due to its ease of integration with databases and flexibility in handling content.

1. Database-Driven Applications:

PHP is commonly used to build applications that interact with databases, making it suitable for creating data-driven websites and business applications.

• Form Handling and Processing:

PHP is often used to process and validate form data on websites, providing a straightforward solution for handling user input.

While both Node.js and PHP have strengths in web development, the choice between them often depends on the project's specific requirements, team expertise, and preferred development paradigms.

Conclusion:

To determine what is best for your company, you must adopt an analytical approach and carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Although PHP may not be as quick or event-driven as Node.js, database connectivity may play a role in the program you choose to develop. In addition to working with languages like PHP and Node.JS, it's crucial to have professionals to ensure you use them to their full potential. 

Our PHP developers and Node.js developers have the skills and expertise to help you with software development. Contact us to build beautiful interfaces and scalable backend apps with long shelf life. For more info, you can email us at info@clariontech.com.