The back-end development of a website can be done using either PHP or Node.js. Likewise, there’s a debate in the development community over which of these is better.

An overview of Node.js and PHP

PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, while Node.js unifies the development of web applications using only JavaScript. According to a recent survey, 78.9% of all websites use PHP. When it comes to backend development, both operate differently.

A complete comparison of backend development

  • Performance

The performance metric measures how quickly code executes and impacts key performance indicators such as seamlessness and load time. Compared to PHP, Node.js has several performance advantages that extend beyond developer skills. Hack, for example, was created by Facebook to speed up existing PHP code; Hack was designed for compatibility with PHP.

Each PHP request is directed to the PHP interpreter, which runs on a web server and processes the code. It is a lightweight framework that manages various aspects of your application despite being server-side.

PHP is an interpreted language, while Node.js is a compiled language. The CPU can execute compiled code seamlessly since it is specified in the CPU’s native language. To translate interpreter code into CPU instructions, an interpreter must convert it from its original format.

As opposed to most web servers, which run multiple threads, Node.js runs on a single thread. PHP was designed primarily for web development, unlike Python or Java. Consequently, it reduces the need for JS code on your front end by handling servers, HTML, and databases.

  • Development

Node.js enables you to build integral backend models, but you’ll still need a reverse proxy like Nginx or Apache, an HTTP framework like Express.js, and a database like MySQL. PHP offers easier usability, which makes it an attractive choice for most web developers. It’s critical to remember, however, that PHP projects are slower than those built with Node.js.

Although Node.js’s package management system (NPM) is a plus, its attributes are quite similar to those of PHP.

  • Databases

PHP gives you access to a broader variety of database management systems. A NoSQL database such as CouchDB and a MongoDBGraph database system such as Neo4jPlus are perfectly compatible with Node.js. Since these databases are relatively recently developed, they are more resistant to injection attacks. Web developers can choose whichever database is right for their project, considering all necessary factors rather than being restricted to a specific one.

  • Hosting

A hosting metric identifies how compatible technology is with various hosting services. There are a variety of alternatives available for Node.js to enhance its competitiveness. On the other hand, PHP powers nearly 80% of the web directly and indirectly. Node.js offers the same level of compatibility with hosting service providers that PHP does. The choice is yours if you aren’t too concerned with security. With either, your project won’t be negatively affected by any major difference.

  • Practical application

Dynamic, data-intensive one-page apps can be built using both Node.js and PHP. PHP can be seamlessly integrated with centralized servers, databases, and HTML since it is designed as a backend-focused language. There are many notable PHP projects, such as MailChimp, Wikipedia, Yahoo, Tumblr, and Flickr

Which one to choose?

There is no clear winner between Node.js and PHP. In the end, you need to choose the one that fits your project best. You simply need to write down your product specifications and compare how each will work with your product. In addition, you need to consider the developers you are working with.