Node.js vs Java: The Ultimate Battle For Being Best Back-End

The discovery of new tools and technologies in the digital age pushes humans further towards automation and makes our lives easier. Developers working on technologies such as Node.js and Java. Today we need to decide between NodeJS vs Java.

In this war of programming languages, Java is the most prevalent programming language for more than two decades. Following it is its sibling the JavaScript.

It has gained prominence as the most widely expanded programming language in the world, using its surrounding environments Node.js for modern web development.

Today, in this fast-paced agile world, Node JS is the choice of monumental industries such as Amazon, Uber, and Netflix.

Overview Of Java

What is Java and its Pros and Cons?

Java is an object-oriented programming language which matches with its predecessor C++. Programmers need to install the Java Development Kit which consists of the Java Virtual Machine and Java Runtime Environment to code for development projects.

The code is built in an integrated development environment such as Eclipse or IntellijIDE consisting tools required to run a java program.

Java supports concurrency, networking, and Graphic User Interface. This, in turn, allows a vast number of frameworks to develop on a java platform, and JavaScript is one of them. At present, the Java programming language is saturated all over the Internet.

Pros & Cons

Before we discuss the comparison and contrast of Java with Node.js, let us know the pros and cons of this language.

Pros:-

• The Java programming language is popular for over two decades of engineering.
• Java boasts rich libraries of source codes useful for hastening the development process.
• Unit testing features make Java very stable and reliable.
• Java has good quality IDEs. They come with powerful monitoring and debugging tools. It not only makes the development work easy but also the apps bug-free.
• Eclipse, NetBeans, or IntelliJ, are Java development Kits. They are integrated with servers, debuggers, etc in the form of plug-ins to JRE. These aids in faster designing of applications.
• The right framework and thread-models, boost the development rate and produce wondrous benefits.
• Java is exclusively efficient when it comes to writing, testing, debugging codes and building software.

Cons:-

• Java is fast, but there are other faster programming languages too which outweighs Java.
• Working with Java codes is great as long as you have a less complex approach to your development. In a deadlock situation, the server gives up immediately.
• Coming out of a deadlock situation can be time-consuming and programmers become impatient easily.
• Developers cannot transfer a piece of Java code to the browser. Java does not allow that, for which we have to recreate the code in JavaScript.

Companies Using Java

• Spotify
• LinkedIn
• Google
• Uber
• Airbnb

When to Choose Java?

Applications that require a lot of CPU usage, benefit from Java.

If you use Java for such applications, you can fix bugs with ease. Between Java vs Node JS, Java is also a great choice if applications use the Relational Database Management System.

There, Java implements tools for multiple database support and object associations to render a simple configuration while switching databases.

Overview of Node JS

What is Node.js and it Pros and Cons?

Node.js is the JavaScript runtime environment, created on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. All around the world developers recognize Node.js for its blazing performance and improved scalability. For any front-end development as well as for back-end application designing, Node.js is the choicest option for many developers.

The JavaScript derivative employs an event-based prototype to ensure scalability. It makes coding simpler by allowing extensive JavaScript libraries within its integrated environment.

Depending on Node JS, there are some other frameworks, such as. Express JS, Partial JS, etc. But when we are talking about speed and scalability, Node JS stands out.

Pros & Cons

Pros:-

• js has ample opportunity for programmers who know JavaScript.
• Frameworks and libraries carry out a bulk of work. If you are looking to hire Node.js developer they also get help in building software quickly using JavaScript.
• Its reactive style is unique and something unavailable in java
• With Node.js we can recycle code. It has made Node.js extremely popular.
• Coders can utilize the novel feature of JavaScript not only on the server but also on client-side without even changing the syntax.

Cons:-

• js developers do not use an IDE. They develop the code in text editors which are enabled with script plug-ins. Developers who have previously worked in Java IDE find it difficult to adjust.
• The JavaScript ecosystem still needs a lot of additional features and upgrades to become as robust and reliable, as the Java ecosystem.

Companies Using Node.js

• Reddit
• Medium
• Wikipedia
• New Yorker
• Yahoo
• eBay
• LinkedIn
• Groupon
• Uber
• Netflix

When to Choose Node.js?

The concept of Node.js is not new anymore. If we carefully observe, we will notice that this tool is ideal for advanced web apps, smartphone and tablet apps, live applications such as real-time messengers, online games, e-commerce transaction software, etc.

If you have or are planning to start a business in any of these fields, using Node.js to build your enterprise software would be an applaudable decision. You can also avail the privileges of Node.js if you are associated with microservice architecture.

Java vs Node.js: Comparison Table

Java vs Node.js: A Parameter-Based Comparison

Criterion #1: Creation

Java

Java programming language is class-based. Using Java, you can inherit objects from a class and create a different kind of programming called object-oriented programming. This programming language is not very different from C++.

Node.js

Node.js is a framework with which we can create web servers and networking tools employing JavaScript and a compilation of libraries that control multiple core processes.

The central component of Node.js nestles within the JavaScript library. The Node.js modules are composed in C++, and these technologies are connected to the operating system.

Verdict

There is no winning or losing if we compare NodeJS vs Java for their creation. Java having a larger customer base is more reliable compared to any other programming language.

Criterion #2: Suitable For

Java

Java is known as the programming language of the era. It has high usage in developing a wide variety of applications, most notably, Android apps.

Software engineers use Java to design internet applications, governmental websites, and big data technologies, viz. Hadoop and Apache Storm.

Even students of computer engineering consider Java for research projects related to natural language processing.

Java is a complex web application but it has concurrent processes. It follows object-oriented programming. The user establishes the data type, its structure, and the set of functions on which the program can run.

The structured data converts the code to an object. Programmers can manipulate the object to create inter-object relationships.

Node.js

We mainly use Node. js for non-blocking, event-triggered servers. We do so because Node.js is a single-threaded type. For building traditional web sites and back-end API services, with real-time, push-based architectures, we can use Node.js.

Verdict

Between NodeJS vs Java, both languages are suitable for the development of applications. Node JS wins here as it can be used to deploy applications both at client-side and server-side.

Criterion #3: Project

Java

Java project is a collection of files with java packages and source codes. Programmers use these codes and the settings to build, run, and debug an algorithm they have designed.

Most programmers use Java programming language for complex web-based concurrency projects.

In the integrated development environment, the programmer conducts all Java development by writing lines of codes which form a project.

The IDE includes project templates which enhances the development process of different types of web applications, mobile Java applications, etc.

Node.js

With Node.js we can build scalable network applications. We can handle many connections concurrently. Once a programmer establishes a connection, the Node.js application engine fires a callback.

If there is no process to run, the system goes to sleep mode. In Node.js projects, we do not worry about deadlocks as they are nonexistent. Node.js projects are suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises.

Verdict

When we compare Node JS with Java in terms of a project, it is all about the project size and scalability. For large scale business, customers have to rely on Java applications which are more complex. For less complex, medium scale businesses, customers can work with Node.js.

Criterion #4: Usage

Java

A beginner in Java must be curious to know where to use it. According to Oracle, no less than 3 billion devices run Java in one form or another.

In the real world, there are plenty of situations where the Java programming language is indispensable.

They are marketing and e-commerce websites, android apps, experimental applications, electronic applications, games, desktop applications like Eclipse, Netbeans, and IntelliJ, and so forth.

Most of the apps in an Android phone are written in Java programming language integrated with something similar to JDK called Google’s Android API.

Node.js

Node.js is a perfect technology partner for the following modes of application:

• Input and Output bound Applications
• Applications that help in buffering data
• Data-Intensive Real-time Applications
• Applications which require JSON APIs
• Single Page Applications

Verdict

In the battle between Node.js vs Java, NodeJS is particularly useful for simplified development of web applications. But there are some CPU intensive applications where we cannot run Node.js. For those applications we have to rely only on Java for development.

Criterion #5: Installation

Java

If you want to develop a project in Java, it is an understatement that you must have the following in your system. These are:

• the Java runtime environment installed,
• the Java executables in your environment path, and
• Java Development Kit to run java.

For Microsoft’s Windows and macOS, Oracle presents a local installer available on the Java website. It directs a user to install Java for all the platforms that support Java.

On the other hand, in Ubuntu, you have to use the command line to install Java 11. Java replaces the old commands with new ones. One can find the latest commands from Google before starting installation.

Node.js

To install Node.js in your system, there are certain prerequisites as well. They are:

• A user account with administrator privileges or the capacity to download and install the software.
• Access to the Windows command line.

The link https://nodejs.org/en/download/ provides us with the Windows Installer option to download the latest version of Node. It comprises the software and the NPM package manager.

Additionally, Node.js developers have to install an archive file on the system.

Verdict

Regarding the installation process, the two programming languages have different prerequisites for installation. The processes are simple and do not lag.

Criterion #6: Scope

Java

The scope of Java lies in its server-side programming. In server-side programming, coders can deftly deliver specific information to individual users, simultaneously creating an appealing user experience. You can use Java server-side programming to deliver products as the client suggests.

If you want to produce a data output from a webpage.

The server side programming of Java is useful during:

• Querying the database
• Conducting operations over databases
• Access read or write permissions on a file on the server
• Communicate with other servers
• Design web applications
• Commit and put user input into effect in the search box, process a search algorithm, and send the results.

Node.js

Node.js is advantageous when we use it with the Express framework. Software designers write JavaScript code to design a server-side application in Node.js.

There is scope to create the server-side application called REST API. Mobile or one-page applications connect it to acquire data.

Developers recommend Node.js to set not only a server-side but also a client-side development environment. The presence of these environments ends manual processes and steers several actions to automation.

Programmers with knowledge in JavaScript and languages like HTML and CSS can gain ample advantage by taking up Node.js development projects.

Let us have a look at a few instances where we have the scope of using Node.js.

• Timely compilation of files using typescript or Coffeescript leading to zero delays in their change.
• Compress, pack, and assemble a few files to create a shareable variant of data. You can share this data with other developers.
• Programmers can run a testing server on their local machine to test the functionality of the application.
• Execute automatic test of codes.

Node.js also features a very handy CLI tool called Node Package Manager. It acknowledges either a global or a project-specific installation of JavaScript packages, thus managing dependencies for executing scripts.

Verdict

On this ground between Java vs Node.js, we feel that Node.js is the winner owing to the sharable feature. Developers benefit from using a pre-existing piece of code in their projects.

Criterion #7: Frameworks

Java

Frameworks are a bulk of code that engineers work with to bring about a solution. To utilize a framework, developers trigger its methods, inheritance, functions, callbacks, etc.

Some frameworks reduce our labor to write a code for our application. Among the few noteworthy frameworks is Spring Framework, a stalwart yet light application extension framework which we can use with Enterprise Java.

Hibernate ORM is a steady object-relational mapping structure with a rock-solid interaction between the Java and RDBMS.

STRUTS from Apache Software is a feature-rich Java web application framework ready for developers to build a manageable Java application.

Node.js

A Node.js framework is a designed piece of code that represents the workflow of the coded logic, and the framework’s design. For the uninitiated, it is a sketch of an algorithm, with codes you compose concluding the program.

Every Node.js module accommodates implementation guidelines particular to the framework.

Node.js frameworks thicken the algorithm standards within and beyond a team of developers. Some of the popular Node.js frameworks are:

• JS
• AdonisJS
• JS, and so forth.

Verdict

With Node.js framework, we can scale up the development activity both vertically and horizontally. It is unique, and that is how Node.js stands out in Node vs Java.

Criterion #8: Application

Java

Java equips us with a simplified application development process with its OOPs concepts.

It provides desktop Graphic User Interface development via Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT), Swing and JavaFX for prompt coding of Java applets and software.

Java Platform Micro Edition, helps to design applications that encompass Java supported machines. For android mobile OS, developers script in Java using the Android Software Development Kit.

Mobile SIM cards, blu-ray players, and television sets use JAVA embedded technologies.

Node.js

Node.js has made a niche for itself in many fields of application development. Six of the most conventional Node.js applications include:

• IoT applications,
• microservice architecture
• instant messaging applications, live collaboration tools,
• OTT streaming apps, and
• Single Page Applications.

Node.js is a potential selection when it comes to deciding on a programming language for developing apps with massive client-side rendering, various coinciding demands, and regular data transaction from a client to a web server.

If you are thinking about building a bulky, powerful, data-driven application, Node.js is your option.

Verdict

While drawing an analogy between Java vs Node.js, keep in mind that the choice depends on what kind of application you want to deploy.

Node.js is a single-threaded solution that becomes unresponsive while processing heavy files. In such situations, Java comes to our rescue.

Criterion #9: Foundation

Java

Java has its own bugs, but it has a rock-solid foundation. People have been developing in Java for many decades now and it will take time for JavaScript developers to reach that stage of customer reliance.

Programmers dominated the Java programming language for several years in the past giving developers the confidence to code in Java when they open the Java virtual machine.

Node.js

The JavaScript world is not lagging behind either. Most of the web relies upon the JavaScript performance engine. But there is a downplay as plenty of features are spreading faster than we can gauge them.

Newer ECMAScript syntax in old codes dumbfound developers, resulting in software crash. CoffeeScript and JSX are helpful for coders who want and know how to use those features. Others, however, fail to comprehend.

Verdict

Java also has new features to offer. But most importantly, it is a stable program. It makes Java reliable for developers to build a long-lasting app.

Criterion #10: Ubiquity

Java

Java had no place when it comes to ubiquity. There is no dual client-side and server-side support with Java. Here JavaScript makes a mark for itself.

With JavaScript, it is simple to write something logical on one end and copy it on the other. In Java, if you want to migrate business logic you have to rewrite the code from Java to JS.

Node.js

Node is leading in migrating code from one end to another. Node.js provides a space for JavaScript both on the server and in the browser.’

It has modern web frameworks, like React, that tells the coder whether to run the code on the server or on the client. It has a fixed logic to decide whether to load or forbear the memory.

Some NodeJS frameworks will transmit JavaScript to the queried database. JavaScript is capable of transmitting both client and server-side developments, making it easier to migrate.

Verdict

So, if you compare Node.js Java in terms of frameworks, Node.js edges out Java here. The simple reason being, more options for Node.js compared to Java

Criterion #11: IDE

Java

Java programmers use Eclipse, NetBeans, or IntelliJ, to write their code. These development kits are coupled with debuggers, decompilers, and servers.

They have been present in the software world for several years, bestowing us with development, top-notch programmers, and a robust ecosystem.

Programmers use integrated development environments such as Eclipse or Visual Studio, which can develop for Java as well as Node.js. With Node.js there are some additional tools like IBM’s Node-RED, etc.

Node.js

Most Node.js developers are competent with using CLI for coding, while some use a text editor. Text editors like Atom, offer plug-ins that make development a piece of cake.

Verdict

For an IDE to edit JS code, the new tools in your IDE supporting Node.js are sufficient. But to edit while structuring on the streaming source code, Java tools prove beneficial.

Criterion #12: Database Queries

Java

Java developers use SQL to retrieve data from the database. Java DB is a program for a database written for Java developers. In the Java database, programmers query using SQL to procure information entered by the user.

Programmers write a SQL query, then let Derby parse it. It requires extra time and manpower, which is not very useful.

Node.js

For modern databases, like CouchDB and MongoDB, we write queries using JavaScript. Mixing Node.js and a call to the database does not require you to learn an extra programming language.

Verdict

From this perspective, Node.js wins between Node.js vs Java. Java coders require complex libraries and records to transform the data from SQL into Java objects.

Criterion #13: Flexibility

Java

You can fly with your creative and imaginative mind in the world of Java. Java ensures numerous possibilities, but preprocessors fail to express all its functions.

Several out-of-the-box languages like Kotlin, Scala, and Clojure convert the Java byte code for the Java Virtual Machine and stand out as separate languages.

Node.js

In the battle of Java vs Node JS, JavaScript is a simpler language that helps to display unwanted alert boxes and checks the input data twice. There are many versions of this utility that is used with the browser.

Verdict

This is where between Java vs Node JS, Java wins. There is no hassle to build a program in Java. JavaScript has more complexity in some fields so it is a second choice when it comes to the building process.

Criterion #14: Building Process

Java

Some tools like Ant and Maven have changed the way we work in Java. Programmers draft the logic in XML and branch it with nested tags.

However, some developers opine that it is vexing to switch between Java and XML time and again just for building a process. We can address this issue with Node.js.

Node.js

With Node.js, the building process is quite simpler. All you need to do is update the code and then run it.

Programmers with Node.js have scaled up the process, united preprocessors that catch the JavaScript, and convert it into something run-able.

Verdict

The union of preprocessors with other processors makes development an engaging task for JavaScript programmers. They try novel ways to express or structure their code.

Criterion #15: JSON

Java

If you want to transform Java output in JavaScript objects, you have to go through a lengthy process.

Developers rack their brains to decide how they would function with tools like POJO mappings, Hibernate, etc. Configuring is time-consuming, and the Java world still relies on XML in this aspect.

Node.js

Node.js uses JSON which is a regular component of JavaScript. JSON has now become a day to day application for many Java developers.

The format is easy to comprehend, and several high-grade JSON parsers are available as Java archives.

Verdict

Node.js is the clear winner as JSON is a member of the JavaScript foundation. You do not require libraries and start working with JS.

Criterion #16: Desktop

Java

The computer world is soon to be free from most java applications. While there are some JAR files which we will continue to use, a greater number of web apps are running in JavaScript.

Node.js

JavaScript is in vogue, and developers are making the most of this programming language to make our browsers more interactive. With Node.js and JavaScript, our desktops are going to be better than before.

Verdict

Node.js wins and will be the choicest programming language for the years to come.

Criterion #17: Handhelds

Java

Most handheld smart devices run in Android. Android apps are largely coded in Java.

Having good knowledge in Java programming aids developers to design applications for Google Play Store.

These days, a large number of desktop activities have shifted to smartphones. Developers feel that Java is the best language to develop an Android application.

Node.js

Using Node.js to develop native applications in Android and iOS is still uncommon. Most developers use Node.js to design web apps that run on mobile browsers of all major smartphones.

Verdict

In an epic battle of Java vs Node.js, java developers are saying that the latest Chromebooks will support Android apps. Soon, Java development will begin for Chromebook users, and that is a certain achievement for Java.

Criterion #18: Libraries

Java

Java boasts a large cluster of libraries.

They are of utmost assistance when developers prepare a Java project. Lucene and OpenCV are two epitomes of open source Java projects where there is an abundant library, a foundation for Java development projects. 

Node.js

Node.js programmers work hard to build and deploy amazing JavaScript projects.

Thanks to JavaScript, today developers have countless progressive web frameworks, where Java cannot compete.

The endless possibilities to design a program in Node.js has overshadowed the purpose of Java, in the software world.

Verdict

Ask any programmer on who wins in NodeJS vs Java, when it comes to libraries. The answer would be unanimously Node.js.

Criterion #19: Speed

Java

The speed of a Java program depends on how we execute the tasks given. Java virtual machines rely on the computer hardware and operating system to complete these tasks.

The speed also depends on how we compile the program, the Java version, vendor of the compiler, and the optimizer.

Node.js

Node.js is lightning fast when it comes to speed. The call back model of Node.js juggles multiple tasks at one moment, making services fast.

The JavaScript engine determines which program to run at what time for enhanced speed and optimization of work. With Node.js, programmers write smaller and event-driven codes that run fast.

Verdict

Node.js wins this race and comes out as the faster programming language.

Criterion #20: Threads

Java

Java has web servers with many threads. Although it is time-consuming to generate many threads, it has advantages. When something wrong happens with one thread, others continue to work.

A thread can go to a deadlock, require more time to compute, while the other threads carry on the work. Programmers are at liberty to change the codes for optimum performance.

Node.js

When a Node.js request starts lagging, everything stalls down. Node.js has a single thread, and unlike Java, it starts the event when it’s fresh and ready.

What apparently appears to be super speedy has single-thread architecture, resulting in slow performance.

Dealing with the threads each time, it gets slow and adds up extra work. Sometimes, the way out is by programming a character-building code.

Verdict

We all like codes that build quickly, but what is more important is that the code is correct. Hence, between NodeJS vs Java, Java’s features are useful.

Criterion #21: Performance

Java

People in the software industry know that Java applications perform better than JavaScript. Java programs do calculations faster than Node.js by many folds.

This difference in Java vs Node.js occurs because Node is single-threaded. Java programs operate with many threads at the OS level.

These programs are capable of using OS features to their advantage. Java continues to be everyone’s choice for high-load application involving complex calculations

Node.js

Node.js has an event-based architecture making it a much lighter application. Node.js applications run lightweight tasks with ease. Developers have built most of the applications to operate a web server.

For instance, simple tasks like calculation and querying a database happen quickly with Node.js. Developers use Nginx or Apache web-server when scaling up of Node applications is required due to pouring requests.

Verdict

Java wins this battle; thanks to its optimized performance across all operating systems.

Criterion #22: Popularity

Java

Java has stood strong in the software industry for two decades now. Many old machine-level programming languages became obsolete. But, java was so reliable; people remained hooked onto it for long.

The stability, security, and reliability of Java programming language makes it a top choice as a technology for several IT industries in the world. 

Node.js

The software environment is dynamic and ever-growing. Newer programming languages like JavaScript and Node.js climbed up the popularity index quite fast.

It took just four years for the popularity of Node.js to rise from 8 to 26 per cent. Many first-world countries, including the States, have embraced programming in Node.js for newer developments.

Over the years, JavaScript emerged out to be versatile. Paired with Node, it has become uncomplicated, beginner-friendly, and handy for developers.

Verdict

While Java is stable and has a long time trust, Node.js is emerging to be the next competitor to Java. Java wins in popularity, but Node is not far from winning.

Criterion #23: Specificities

Java

Java is a simple programming language which works on all devices and OS. It has extensive libraries to make simple tasks more simpler.

It comes with built-in language security traits that make it the most reliable programming language for the business, economic, scientific, and web development.

Java code is robust in nature. Its sturdy debugging tool finds all the possible mistakes in the coding of an application. It supports dynamic memory allocation through malloc and calloc operators.

Java is competent with powerful exception handling and type-checking mechanisms and also beats other programming languages in this regard.

Node.js

Node.js is a well scalable language meant for development in agile projects. It is two times faster than java and requires fewer people to work on the code.

Eminent companies reported significantly fewer lines of coding while converting from Java to Node.js. It can respond to requests faster and helps beginners to become a full-stack developer with ease.

Node has the largest ecosystem of open-source libraries for anyone who wants to design an application from scratch. Regardless to say, it is lightweight and performs all tasks efficiently.

Verdict

If a developer has worked with both languages in the past, he or she would vouch for Node.js as the winner in this category.

Criterion #24: Platform Independence

Java

Java is a Platform Independent programming language. This makes Java versatile as it can run on UNIX, Linux, Windows, etc.

Several developments are possible with java as it supports cross- functionality. Java programs are portable which means that an application made in one platform can run across desktops, mobiles, and embedded systems.

Node.js

The project files for Node.js are platform independent. The JavaScript files for the Node.js application works properly on all platforms and is completely managed by the system.

There are some platform dependent modules as well that try to compile on your platform whenever the module is installed. The NPM manager of Node.js package deals with it.

Verdict

Java is platform independent and we can unanimously call it a winner here.

Read also: Diving Deep Into Top 10 Node.js Performance Tips

Criterion #25: Support

Java

Java is not something new to people around the world. The finest set of frameworks, IDEs, and libraries are all put to use to make the most robust applications of all time.

A vast community learns Java every day to embark on their dream of being a Java developer and support the development process.

Node.js

On the contrary, Node.js is fairly new. Predictors say that it will take quite some time for Node.js to equal with Java on its popularity and demand. The language is reaching out to more people and claiming wider selection.

Verdict

Keeping the above views in mind, we can safely say that Java is the winner here.

Chintan Gor

CTO, eSparkBiz

Enthusiastic for web app development, Chintan Gor has zeal in experimenting with his knowledge of Node, Angular & React in various aspects of development. He keeps on updating his technical know-how thus pinning his name among the topmost CTO's in India. His contribution is penned down by him through various technical blogs on trending tech. He is associated with eSparkBiz from the past 14+ years where one can get premium services.