Let’s explore something you interact with on a daily basis: computer programming. For technology to function as it does today, it uses a scripting language that dictates every function of a computer and is programmed by software developers. It’s easy to get bogged down by the technicality of the language, so we’ll focus on Javascript vs Node js to make it simple to understand.
It may seem like Javascript and Node.js work against each other, but the applications actually work as a team. By examining the differences between the two, you can determine which works best for your programming needs.
Main Differences between Javascript and Node.js
Definition
Javascript is a code or computer language. This is one style of language “spoken” by computers; it gives computers a script to follow. It is sometimes mistaken for opposing programming languages.
Node.js is not exactly a programming language: it is a runtime environment that works like an interpreter. It extends Javascript’s coding abilities and gives it extra abilities such as real-time interactivity like chat boxes. They are separate entities which enable them to work together.
Utility
Javascript programming is front-loaded and used on the client side. Programmers develop the code with Javascript and it is set ahead of time to work when interacted with.
Node.js is usually used on the backend of development on the server side. This is what the user interacts with.
Working as a team, Node.js allows Javascript to extend its functionality and the latter gives the application its main form. The language works in a push-based manner, so it makes something happen in the moment. With Node.js, the user sees a real-time interactive application.
For example, social media uses Node.js to allow users to interact with each other simultaneously.
Browsers
Javascript can run in any browser such as Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.
On the other hand, Node.js runs Javascript through the engine, Chrome V8.
Javascript can only run inside a browser, but Node.js can assist Javascript to run outside of its browser and this extends the coding to other locations. Node.js is an environment that allows real-time extension for the user experience. This is another example of a push that characterizes Node.js.
HTML
HTML tags can only be added in Javascript as it changes the appearance of an interface, allowing it to have more interactivity. This type of code gives the programmer more control over the look and feel of the page.
HTML tags can be utilized in Javascript but not in Node.js. These tags change the appearance of the page through language extension. Node.js is an environment rather than a language, so HTML tagging isn’t possible in Node.js
When should you use Node.js?
Our developers can easily integrate Javascript and Nodes.js. Let us help you make things happen on the client side at the click of a button. Here are some examples of when we use Node.js:
- When you need functions to happen simultaneously – chats either function in two places at the same time or two or more people interact in real-time and the time between messages is reduced. This gives the Javascript a new room that is designed to loop quickly.
- To reduce buffering – the buffering that happens when a user switches websites takes longer and is negated with the quick looping. This is ideal for streaming applications such as financial tracking logs.
- To allow for greater traffic on a site – social media applications receive heavy traffick. Node.js allows a larger volume of access that couldn’t exist without this extension.
Though Node.js has many uses, it isn’t meant for everything. Node.js should not be used when complex calculations are needed. Also, it is designed to work quickly and can only handle one command at a time. Social media posts are handled on a rapid loop through Node.js. A Javascript web page processes according to the script.
A Great Team: Javascript and Node.js
Javascript is a complex scripting language that can control many aspects of technology. Node.js is used in tandem with Javascript to translate the language and direct it to other places. It executes the code and enables a reliable connection for real-time computer applications.
Examples include news feeds or push notifications. Javascript is the language while Node.js is the environment that translates the language to the application’s users. Although they are different things, these two applications make a great pair.
Computer programming is a complex science, but now you know the advantages of using Node.js paired with Javascript and you have the knowledge of extend the functionality of websites. We can extend your abilities even further: visit our website or contact us on LinkedIn for more information.
