Node.js vs Java: Understanding the Differences

The world is rapidly digitizing. If your company isn't represented on the internet today, it won't exist for people who don't pass by your office daily. That's why businesses of all scales and industries are compelled to invest in developing their own websites and/or applications.

However, deciding to develop is just the beginning—you need to think through every step because the devil is in the details. One such detail is the choice of development tools. There's a lot to choose from, given that the number of modern languages and frameworks for web development reaches into the dozens. Below, we'll examine and compare two of the most popular platforms for creating websites and applications: Java and Node.js.

What Is Node.js?

We'll start our comparison of Node.js and Java with the former technology. Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform environment used for developing server-side applications based on JavaScript that can run outside of a web browser. The foundation of Node.js is JavaScript, one of the most reliable programming languages that developers use for both backend and frontend tasks. Node.js operates on an event-driven model with non-blocking I/O operations.

Software solutions developed with Node.js are simpler and cheaper to develop and maintain because they use a single stack—for both the server-side and client-side components.

Advantages of Node.js

It's impossible to overestimate the influence of Node.js as a technology for web development, as it's used in many well-known applications and platforms (which we'll discuss below). Let's look at its key advantages to better understand its popularity.

High Performance

Node.js uses Google's V8 engine, which automatically compiles JavaScript into machine code. This positively impacts the performance of solutions created with it because V8 optimizes instruction processing, making execution almost instantaneous. Node.js is also based on JIT (Just-In-Time) compilation technology, which minimizes delays and accelerates code execution. Combined with its asynchronous architecture, it's clear why a Node.js-based system can handle thousands of requests per second without speed losses.

Easy Application Development

By using JavaScript, Node.js makes the process of developing server-side applications intuitive and adaptable. It significantly simplifies the description of interaction processes between the frontend and backend due to the possibility of using the same programming language—JavaScript. Moreover, JavaScript doesn't usually require complex configurations, enhancing code readability, simplifying the editing process, and generally speeding up project development.

Node Package Manager (npm)

npm is considered one of the largest JavaScript package managers, containing hundreds of thousands of ready-made solutions for any request (authentication, database interaction, session management, dependencies, etc.). By using it, developers don't have to spend time creating necessary components from scratch—instead, they just need to configure them as required. Version compatibility of packages is automatically checked in npm.

Efficient I/O Operations Handling

Node.js features an asynchronous I/O processing model. This allows systems based on Node.js to continue executing previously started processes while initiating new ones. As a result, the system's activity isn't blocked for even a second, which is a colossal advantage when developing high-load software solutions that need to handle requests from thousands of users simultaneously.

No Need for Binary Model Conversion

Thanks to support for JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), Node.js simplifies data handling by eliminating the need to convert data into the required format when transferring it from the user to the server and vice versa. This positively affects both the development pace and the application's performance. This advantage is especially noticeable when working on solutions that operate with large volumes of information and where high processing speed is critically important.

Scalable Backend Technology

Node.js allows vertical scaling of software solutions through clustering—that is, by running multiple processes simultaneously on different CPU cores. This way, the server can handle a larger number of connections and requests simultaneously. Horizontal scaling in Node.js is achieved through automatic workload distribution between servers. Therefore, this technology is excellent for solutions requiring gradual scaling.

Continuous Technology Development

Node.js has a powerful developer community striving to optimize the platform to meet new demands in the software development world. As a result, Node.js can be considered one of the most stable and secure technologies, and it's easy to learn thanks to extensive and detailed documentation.

When Is Node.js Used?

Of course, besides Node.js, there are many other solutions worth considering today. Moreover, some of them possess, to varying degrees, the features we've mentioned above. However, such a combination of features is probably unique to Node.js—that's why its use is most advisable for:

• Developing high-load web servers and APIs;
• Creating applications that need to update in real-time;
• Developing Single Page Applications (SPAs);
• Building solutions based on microservice architecture;
• Developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions;
• Creating servers with reduced power consumption.

In reality, Node.js is a very powerful player among other similar web development tools, so mastering it is considered a mandatory requirement when hiring most backend developers.

What Is Java?

Java is a class-based, object-oriented general-purpose programming language. Its standout feature is the principle of "write once, run anywhere." Thanks to the JVM (Java Virtual Machine), Java is portable, allowing programs to run smoothly on any combination of operating system and hardware.

It's hard to name tasks and fields where Java isn't used. It's one of the oldest programming languages with many unique features, such as automatic garbage collection, built-in multithreading, and a large default library of ready-made solutions.

Advantages of Java

You might already know Java as one of the official languages for Android development. However, its advantages go far beyond being a convenient default choice for mobile app creation.

Object-Oriented Programming

Programming in Java adheres to the principles of object-oriented programming, including encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. In practice, this allows developers to create software solutions based on objects, which is a definite advantage when developing complex, multi-component systems that are hard to maintain. Specifically, developers can use pre-written code, thereby improving the project's architecture and making it suitable for further scaling.

Platform Independence

Java's cross-platform nature means that code written in it is automatically compiled into bytecode executed on the JVM. Therefore, applications created in Java can run in any environment where the JVM is installed. This is an undeniable advantage for enterprise solutions that need to function regardless of the operating system on the user's device.

Security

Java has many built-in security mechanisms at the JVM level, preventing the integration of malicious scripts. It also features a "sandbox," type checking, and an advanced memory management model, which collectively eliminate typical vulnerabilities in the code.

Automatic Memory Management

Java has a Garbage Collector responsible for automatically freeing up unused memory, thereby reducing the workload on programmers who usually have to foresee these algorithms themselves. It also has a very useful mark-and-sweep algorithm that manages memory even in the most complex scenarios.

Multithreading

Java supports multithreading, allowing multiple tasks to execute simultaneously. This is especially useful when working with large computations and, in particular, when creating high-power server solutions. Java also features core-level threading and advanced synchronization mechanisms.

Extensive Standard Library

Java has a large class library capable of solving any basic task. They are secure and generally minimize the need to resort to third-party solutions. Java also natively supports XML, JSON, and HTTP, making it an ideal programming language for web development.

Continuous Development

Java has a strong global developer community and is supported by the world-renowned company Oracle. Thus, developers regularly receive new improvements aimed at increasing performance and expanding library capabilities.

When Is Java Used?

Java is a programming language with a long history that, despite its age, remains stable. This property makes it an ideal choice for developing software solutions intended for long-term operation. Here are some specific cases where Java development will be useful:

• Enterprise services and applications;
• Cross-platform desktop solutions;
• Backend development in web applications;
• Android development;
• Cloud solutions development;
• Developing games with a large number of simultaneous players;
• High-load applications for scientific research.

It's also worth noting that Java is one of the most widespread programming languages, so finding Java developers with experience relevant to your project won't be difficult.

Do Node.js and Java Work Together?

In general, we don't use Node.js as a replacement for Java and vice versa. In fact, our specialists often use them together so that each technology solves specific tasks. For example, Node.js is an excellent solution for creating server APIs and processing data in real-time, while Java is a good assistant in handling resource-intensive server computations typical for enterprise software. By combining asynchronous processing in Node.js with Java's multithreading, we provide products and services with high power and performance.

Node.js and Java: Complementary Differences

In this section, we'll compare Java and Node.js across several key aspects.

Popular Applications Built with Node.js and Java

Node.js and Java are widely used for developing and supporting various platforms. Each tool has an impressive list of business "fans."

For example, a vast number of different resources are built on Node.js. Here are some interesting examples:

• Reddit - Possibly the most popular entertainment site in the world, combining features of a forum and a social network.
• Wikipedia - The internet encyclopedia was written in Node.js.
• Yahoo - The world's second most popular search engine.
• New Yorker - A globally renowned clothing brand.

Java's list of solutions based on this language is even more impressive:

• Spotify - The leading audio streaming service.
• LinkedIn - A social network for professional contacts.
• Google - The world's largest search engine.
• Uber - A mobile app for ordering taxis.
• Airbnb - An online service for renting accommodations worldwide.

As we can see, both lists feature globally recognized representatives, so they can be considered equivalent.

Create Your Application with Node.js and Java

If you're considering Node.js and Java as the main technological stack for your software solution, turn as qualified experts in these technologies. We have many years of experience in creating high-load and cross-platform systems, so we can provide your product with the best that these technologies have to offer. Call or write to us right now, and we'll consult you on the next steps in working on your project.

Conclusions

It's evident that in the near future, Node.js will increasingly be used as a "wrapper," with the core written in other programming languages. This is logical due to its shortcomings. However, such a relatively conditional disadvantage as single-threading has already been corrected in the latest versions of Node.js.

At the same time, Java, initially designed as a lightweight replacement for C++, has become too "heavy." Such is the price of its evolution, as a result of which it significantly loses out to the rapidly developing Node.js.

Another significant problem for Java is its rather slow development, especially noticeable against the dynamic Node.js.

When choosing which programming tool to prefer, Node.js or Java, only one thing can be asserted confidently: a potential competitor that could replace them isn't expected even in the near future.

Therefore, in the foreseeable future, you'll have to either choose between the two or use them together, as we usually do. Since solving this dilemma largely depends on the degree of proficiency programmers have with these technologies, we advise turning to experienced teams with strong cases in your desired niche. They will select the optimal technological stack for your project and create an excellent product with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is Better to Choose: Node.js or Java?

We don't oppose Java to Node.js and use these technologies together. However, it's worth noting the differences in tasks that these two technologies can solve. Specifically, Node.js is chosen for applications that handle a large number of simultaneous requests and where it's necessary to speed up development by using a single programming language (JavaScript). As for Java, this language is ideal for creating multithreaded solutions requiring maximum stability.

What Is Node.js Chosen For?

Node.js is most often chosen for creating chats, messengers, Single Page Applications (SPAs), data processing systems, APIs, and large-scale solutions with a large number of connected devices interacting through Internet of Things technologies.

What Is Java Chosen For?

The Java programming language is a popular choice in developing enterprise-level systems, complex web applications, mobile applications based on the Android operating system, online banking solutions, and large-scale systems requiring high computational power.