When it comes to backend technologies for websites, PHP and Node.js are two of the most prevalent options. PHP has a track record of being a leading and reliable choice. On the other hand, Node.js, while relatively new, has rapidly gained popularity and is now a preferred pick amongst developers across the globe.
Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, there was a common misconception that PHP and JavaScript were completely separate programming languages. PHP was mainly used for handling the ‘back-end’ procedures, whereas JavaScript was utilised for modifying the Document Object Model (DOM) and crafting engaging and visually impressive websites.
JavaScript was once considered a suitable alternative for general-purpose programming due to its straightforward syntax and wide-ranging applications. This resulted in its widespread adoption by both novice and seasoned developers alike. Eventually, this led to the inception of Node.js, which transformed a language that was originally intended for front-end work into an all-inclusive platform for web development.
What is PHP precisely?
Originally, PHP was an abbreviation for “PHP Hypertext Preprocessor“, but now it represents an entire language. PHP, which stands for “Hypertext Preprocessor”, is a server-side programming language that is open-source and free of cost. It is primarily developed for designing websites, but many programmers have found alternative uses for it.
One could compare a website to a human being. When two individuals converse, a multitude of signals are exchanged between the brain and the mouth to allow the transfer of information. Similarly in a website, the server acts as the brain, while the PHP code furnishes the instructions to the server on the appropriate course of action to take.
PHP has been a popular and dependable choice for numerous years, as evident from various renowned websites such as Facebook, Wikipedia, Slack, and Tumblr, which make use of it as their primary backend system.
Despite its popularity, critics of PHP do exist. Its founding story suggests that the primary goal for PHP was to simplify C programming, yet the language gradually evolved into a distinct entity of its own. It is possible that PHP’s drawbacks are rooted in its developers failing to distinguish between creating a tool for personal use and formulating a full-fledged programming language.
Although it has garnered a poor reputation, PHP has still managed to amass considerable popularity owing to its ease of use after its initial release, which distinguished it from other available options. Nevertheless, the language has several intricacies and can prove to be challenging to leverage, especially when compared to more contemporary alternatives.
Decisively, PHP continues to be the leading force propelling the bulk of the web. PHP’s progression towards becoming a more user-friendly language has been facilitated by popular frameworks such as Laravel. Subsequently, possessing a thorough proficiency in PHP is an indispensable skill for all backend developers.
What are the reasons to use Node.js?
Node.js is a server-side JavaScript runtime environment that is open-source and operates on the Chrome V8 JavaScript Engine. It facilitates the execution of JavaScript files without the need for a web browser, thus allowing developers to solely rely on JavaScript for creating their programmes.
Node.js was developed as a response to the client/server model, which only responds to client requests before terminating the connection, by offering an alternative. Node.js enables a two-way connection between the server and client, allowing for real-time communication with minimal latency and enhanced throughput.
Node.js employs a non-blocking, event-driven I/O mechanism, making it an ideal option for creating speedy, scalable applications. One of its key advantages over PHP is that it is asynchronous. Asynchronous programming is a form of parallel programming whereby a unit of work runs independently of the primary application thread and informs the main thread of its completion.
It is undesirable for a restaurant to function in a manner in which the waiter is unable to perform any other tasks while waiting for the food order to be prepared. Ordinarily, a waiter should be able to attend to additional duties such as tidying tables, serving drinks, and managing other tables during the food preparation period.
PHP and other synchronous solutions can be likened to restaurants wherein the server cannot proceed with other patrons until the first customer has been served their food. Each line of code is executed in sequence, regardless of its duration for completion.
Conversely, Node.js can still execute the script while awaiting the return of a function, removing the necessity to wait for a resolution. As an instance, if the server has to retrieve data from a database, it can perform other tasks that are not related to the data while waiting for a response.
What is the purpose of this feature? In certain cases, there may be about a 50% boost in performance.
Does PHP face a grim future?
Node.js is not a substitute for PHP. Furthermore, even though some of PHP’s architecture is influenced by the internet from 25 years ago, it is not always a drawback.
Throughout the last century, SQL database technology has remained relatively stable, making the database support in PHP easy to use. On the other hand, Node.js is more modern and employs libraries to create database connections since it is modular in structure.
PHP, a programming language that is constantly evolving and enhancing, is relied upon by millions of websites worldwide. Nonetheless, for many of them, investing the resources and effort necessary to implement substantial changes may not be beneficial in the near future. Regardless, PHP remains an incredibly beneficial language with much to offer.
Node.js has the ability to be a disruptive element in the well-established technological landscape of the previous two decades. Utilizing one of the world’s most popular programming languages, and supported by a dynamic and involved community, Node.js is an appealing choice for rapid development.
Node.js is a more practical solution for contemporary enterprises since it is simpler to scale, lightweight, and more compatible with cloud computing. In the majority of cases, Node.js is an exceptional option for any new enterprise or development initiative.
