Node.js vs Java: What to Choose in 2024?

What is more relevant for app development today — Node.js vs Java? Is there a big gap between them? What about Node.js vs. Java differences? When to use Node.js vs Java? Let's take an in-depth look into the main characteristics and purposes of these two languages.

In this blog post, we'll explore these questions and provide the information you need to make an informed decision on Node.js vs Java in programming.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a JavaScript code runtime environment based on Chrome V8, a JavaScript engine that translates JavaScript calls into machine code. This is the difference between Node.js and JavaScript — the first is a runtime environment for JavaScript.

Node.js appeared in 2009 when American developer Ryan Dahl created the Node.js platform. While the developers vastly exploited the principle of “one thread for each connection,” the new platform created by Dahl focused on an event-driven architecture. The primary purpose of the system was to build scalable network servers.

Today, more than 6.3 million websites use Node.js. This fact makes Node.js one of the most commonly used tools for web development in the United States. As of 2023, Node.js was the most-used web framework among software developers worldwide, with around 42.7 percent of respondents reported to be using Node.js.

Advantages of Using Node.js

Node.js has become a stand-alone command-line tool that excels in building fast and scalable applications. It has many advantages that make it attractive for businesses and developers.

Let’s explore some advantages of Node.js development services.

Fast performance

Node.js is built on Google's V8 JavaScript engine, which is incredibly fast and efficient. Node.js's non-blocking, event-driven structure makes it an excellent choice for applications that require real-time data processing or handling large amounts of data.

Lightweight system for creating applications

Another advantage of Node.js is its lightweight nature. It makes it ideal for creating lightweight applications. This factor can be especially beneficial for mobile or web applications that must be optimized for speed and performance.

Node Package Manager (npm)

Node.js comes with a built-in package manager, npm, the world's largest package registry. Developers can quickly install and search for packages, making it easy to add functionality to their applications without writing code from scratch.

Efficient handling of I/O operations

Node.js excels at managing input/output tasks efficiently due to its event-driven, non-blocking input/output model. This approach optimizes handling operations such as file reading, writing, database interactions, and network communications. Consequently, Node.js is particularly well-suited for real-time applications like chat platforms or streaming services.

Wide variety of available libraries

There are around 836,000 libraries available for Node.js projects, and almost 10,000 new libraries are launched weekly. This provides developers with a vast array of tools and resources that they can use to build robust, scalable applications quickly.

No need for binary model conversion

Node.js uses a single-threaded event loop, meaning it doesn't need to convert between binary models. This makes it incredibly efficient and faster than other technologies that require this conversion.

Scalable backend technology

Node.js is a scalable backend development services technology with a lightweight framework. It is ideal for building applications that handle large amounts of traffic. Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model for easily managing large amounts of data and real-time applications.

Constant technology development

Node.js is a constantly evolving technology, with new updates and features regularly added. For example, TypeScript is increasingly used in Node.js projects, making it easier for developers to write scalable, maintainable code.

Node.js has recently presented limited support for running TypeScript files directly without requiring preceding compilation (starting from version 23). This option is in a trial phase and may be enhanced later based on user feedback​ and future development.

What is a Better Way to Use Node.js?

Node.js has a vast range of uses. It is difficult to imagine a fast multi-user real-time data scenario without Node.js. Since both the front and backend can be created using Java, developers may use Node.js for both.

Below, we've listed several main areas where you may need Node.js development services:

• Collectors and translators
• Batch processing and deferred processing scenarios
• Scripts, CLI (command-line interfaces)
• Document generation
• Delayed report generation
• Web applications and SPA servers
• Servers and APIs for mobile applications
• Message servers and event broadcasting (chats, games, interactive)
• Patches on already prepared systems written in other source languages
• Window applications (nw.js, Node-WebKit)
• Crawlers, parsers, and data collection
• Microcontroller programming
• Industrial automation
• CMS, content publishing
• Mass e-commerce and trade

Which Popular Companies Use Node.js?

Some top applications in their respective fields have either been created with Node.js or switched to it. Let's have a look at them.

Netflix

Netflix uses Node.js to offer a speedy, lightweight, and modular application. Using Node.js, Netflix claims to have lowered app load times by roughly 70%.

LinkedIn

With over 200 countries and 675 million people, LinkedIn uses a server-side mobile app for Node.js. Compared to Ruby on Rails, Node.js offers superior speed, lower memory use, and quick processing capabilities.

Uber

Uber is a global leader in on-demand ride-hailing, operating in over 900 cities and over 85 countries. Uber was the first business to use Node.js to develop its extensive matching system. Using backend development technologies, Uber improved app performance, data processing, and operational effectiveness.

PayPal

PayPal was initially developed with Java. Later, PayPal transitioned to Node.js since it enables faster and easier transactions and provides comprehensive support in 200 markets and over 100 currencies.

Walmart

Walmart's e-commerce platform leverages Node.js to manage substantial traffic surges during peak shopping. Node.js's capacity to handle asynchronous I/O operations empowers Walmart to maintain efficiency and responsiveness.

NASA

NASA employs Node.js to process data-intensive applications associated with space missions. Since implementing Node.js, NASA has observed a threefold increase in database access speeds, which is crucial for securing and efficiently managing substantial data volumes.

eBay

eBay deploys Node.js for real-time applications and services, demanding minimal response times. Node.js enables eBay to sustain a competitive advantage by offering a rapid and scalable backend infrastructure.

Twitter

Twitter has incorporated Node.js into developing select lightweight and high-performance backend systems. The platform's capacity to manage numerous simultaneous connections with minimal resource consumption is advantageous to Twitter.

What is Java?

Java is a strongly typed and object-oriented programming language. It was created in 1991 by Sun Microsystems engineers Patrick Naughton and James Gosling. Initially, it was named Oak, and later renamed Java. Today, it is one of the most influential and commonly used computer languages.

Java is designed to be platform-independent. This means that it can run on any device or operating system with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed.

Java is also known for its "write once, run anywhere" (WORA) philosophy, meaning that code written in Java can be compiled into bytecode that can be run on any platform with a JVM installed.

One of the core features of Java is its strong emphasis on object-oriented programming (OOP). Java also supports features such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, which make it easy to build complex, modular applications.

Java has a strong presence in desktop apps development. It provides frameworks like Swing and JavaFX for creating rich user interfaces. Java enterprise stack encompasses technologies like Java EE and provides a solid framework for developing scalable and secure enterprise-level software.

Advantages of Using Java

Java is a high-level programming language that excels at solving general problems of any type. Even though there are more and more technologies appearing, Java development services still have several benefits to outrun the competitors:

Object-oriented programming

Java is an object-oriented programming language, representing that code is organized into objects that can be easily reused and extended. This makes it easy to develop complex, modular applications and saves time and effort in the long run.

Platform-independence

Code written in Java can be compiled into bytecode that can be run on any platform with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed. The JVM is required to execute Java code, which provides a platform-independent runtime environment. This makes developing and deploying applications easy without worrying about the underlying hardware or operating system.

Security features

Java has built-in security features, such as the Security Manager, that allow developers to specify access rules and restrict access to sensitive resources. Java also does not support pointers, which helps prevent memory errors and other security issues.

Automatic memory management

Java has a special system called the garbage collector that automatically manages memory, finding and deleting objects that are no longer in use. This eliminates the need for manual memory management, which can be a source of bugs and other issues.

Multithreading

Multiple threads can run simultaneously without affecting each other. Compared to Node, it allows for more efficient use of system resources and can improve application performance.

Rich standard library

Java has a full standard library with many tools and features. From data structures and algorithms to networking and IO operations, the Java Development Kit has many libraries that make development easier and reduce the need for third-party dependencies.

Constant evolution

The Java platform is evolving with regular updates and improvements. New features in recent releases, such as modularization (Java 9), local variable type inference (Java 10), and enhanced pattern matching (Java 14), mean Java is still relevant and can keep up with modern development.

What Is a Better Way to Use Java?

With all its positive features, Java is widely used. Comparing Node.js vs Java, let's define some areas where you can use Java:

• Android applications
• Server applications in financial services
• Web applications
• Software tools
• Trading applications
• J2ME applications
• Embedded systems
• Big data
• High-frequency trading spaces
• Scientific applications

Which Companies Use Java?

Java remains one of the most popular programming languages for backend technologies. Some well-known applications created with Java include:

Amazon

Amazon relies on Java for its extensive suite of web-based services and applications, notably within its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure. Java's capacity for expansion and dependability aligns perfectly with Amazon's immense data processing requirements.

IBM

IBM utilizes Java across various applications and services, encompassing enterprise solutions and cloud computing platforms. Java's platform versatility and dependability are pivotal factors in IBM's adoption.

Airbnb

Airbnb utilizes Java to construct and sustain its high-performance backend infrastructure. Java aids Airbnb in efficiently managing its expansive listing and reservation systems.

Twitter

Twitter's microblogging features are well-known. Twitter uses Java for its Android apps and to streamline usage and activities on its social networking platform.

Spotify

One of the top music streaming platform apps is Spotify. Users can stream music from any artists, tracks, or albums. This well-known platform makes use of several languages, including Java. The development process is greatly streamlined and simplified thanks to Java.

Google

Google heavily relies on Java for many of its products and services, including the foundational Android operating system. Java's pivotal role in Android app development has solidified its status as an indispensable component of Google's technological ecosystem.

Netflix

Netflix employs Java for its backend infrastructure to manage billions of daily inquiries. Java's performance capabilities enable Netflix to deliver a seamless streaming experience to its worldwide user base.

Mini Opera

Opera Mini, known for its rapid information retrieval capabilities, uses Java. Even with a sluggish Internet connection, the application's small weight enables users to access the Internet more quickly. To improve user experience, it compresses unnecessary visuals.

Key Differences between Node.js and Java

Below is a comparative table of Node.js vs. Java to demonstrate their distinctions more clearly.

Astonishing, isn't it? So, let's dig a little deeper into Node.js vs Java performance.

Java vs Node.js Performance

According to a report by Hackernoon, PayPal and Netflix reduced their startup times from more than 40+ minutes to under a minute after integrating Node.js. It also belongs to lightning-fast speed — Node.js can cut loading times by 50%- 60%, resulting in incredible improvements in performance.

Node.js' event-driven architecture guarantees effective multitasking, which improves an application's speed. Java leverages multiple threads, which means that it can cope with multiple requests but not as smoothly as Node.js. Furthermore, Node.js uses the V8 Javascript engine, which works quickly and efficiently.

Node.js provides apps with better performance. The environment created by Node.js's asynchronous and non-blocking inheritance is perfect for carrying out the little operations without interfering with the application's main thread.

Node.js is capable of multitasking when it comes to performance. Additionally, because it was created using the fastest JavaScript engine on the market, it doesn't affect the server's speed. It can also manage the flow of massive amounts of data.

According to the report on Node.js vs Java performance, the test clearly shows that Java is quicker. Because Java is statically typed, it can be built more quickly, with fewer mistakes, and with higher precision for specific systems.

When compared to Node.js's performance, Java delivers better and faster performance since it is written as byte code. The virtual machines translate the bytecode instructions to provide effective operations. A just-in-time compiler has also been added to Java to provide high-performance application features.

Java employs compilers, which makes it slower than native languages. A Java compiler is a program that converts Java source code into bytecode, which can be executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

Java's Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler works with the JVM to increase performance. Because of the rigid restrictions on writing and error handling, Java's predictable and robust workflow is especially useful for performance management, even with complex applications.

Additionally, even though its trash collection function might be beneficial in some circumstances, it takes up a lot of memory. Contrarily, Node.js-based apps never buffer, allowing for speedier runtime and chunked data output.

Future of Java vs. Node.js

Node.js, with its growing popularity and flexibility, is expected to continue to expand its reach in the web and mobile application backend development world. Its ability to handle real-time data, scale easily, and work efficiently with various devices and platforms makes it a valuable tool for businesses.

Java, with its established and robust ecosystem, will continue its strong presence in the enterprise space. Java has a long history of reliable performance, strong community support, and a vast array of libraries and tools that make it an attractive choice for building large-scale, complex applications.

Both Node.js and Java are evolving to meet the changing needs of developers and businesses. Node.js continuously introduces new features, such as improved security, faster performance, and better compatibility with other programming languages. Meanwhile, Java embraces modern development practices, such as cloud computing and microservices architecture, to stay competitive.

Conclusion

Comparing Node.js and Java, we see that each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Node.js tends to do better overall in terms of speed, thanks to its absence of buffering and distinctive code execution. Java is an older, universal language but is more complex than Node.js.

Node.js's event-driven, non-blocking architecture makes it ideal for real-time applications, while Java's robust, multi-threaded model excels in CPU-intensive and large-scale enterprise applications. Both have built-in scalability capabilities and strong community support.

Great communities, distinctive libraries, and resources for beginners and experts are present in both technologies. The benefits and drawbacks of each programming language, Node.js vs Ruby on Rails point to its applicability for real-time applications, streaming, Android apps, large data projects, and online shopping. Java performs best in online applications, scientific software, trading software, and e-commerce.

As a software product development company, TechMagic offers high-quality services for building different types of applications using Java or Node.js. Get a quote from our experts to get an answer to whether Java or Node.js works for your project.

FAQs

1. Why is Node.js better than Java?

   Node.js uses an asynchronous event-driven I/O mechanism and does not have the Java runtime environment overhead, making it faster than Java. The wide ecosystem of modules and frameworks enables the creation of web apps faster and more efficiently.

2. Is Node.js easy to learn for developers?

   Node.js has many tutorials and a large community that assist developers in learning that programming language.

3. When should I choose Node.js over Java, and vice versa?

   Choose Node.js for real-time, I/O-bound applications, single-page applications (SPAs), and microservices. Apply Java when your goal is to build large-scale, CPU-intensive enterprise apps, Android apps, or in case platform independence is crucial.

4. Which platform offers better performance: Node.js or Java?

   Node.js provides greater performance for I/O-bound tasks due to its non-blocking event-driven architecture, while Java provides superior performance for CPU-intensive tasks because of its multi-threaded, compiled bytecode execution.

5. Is Node.js more suitable for building lightweight and scalable applications compared to Java?

   Yes. Node.js is better suited for building lightweight and scalable applications due to its lightweight, event-driven architecture and non-blocking I/O model.