React.js vs. Node.js: Which JavaScript Framework Should Be Used

React.js vs. Node.js: Which JavaScript Framework Should Be Used

React.js and Node.js are two popular JavaScript frameworks that should not be overlooked in the software development industry. Despite sharing a common framework, they serve distinct functions. While Node.js is for back-end development, React.js is used to build front-end applications and client-side user interfaces. Developers choose one of them depending on the projects on which they work. 

So, before deciding between React.js and Node.js, it is critical to understand the differences and, if any, commonalities in order to make the best decision. Which of the two you should choose solely depends on what your needs are. So, first, you should be aware of the various features, benefits, and drawbacks, and then decide which option best meets your needs. Let’s look into them and decide which JavaScript framework to use. 

How to Choose?

To choose between them, you should do a comparison of both frameworks with pros and cons.  It will help you learn more about them even if you are a fresher who is stepping into the industry or someone who wants to develop their apps using them but finds it difficult to choose from them. Here are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of React.js and Node.js. Check out to learn more.

React.js: Benefits and Drawbacks

Basically, it is a JavaScript front-end library that can be used to build the user interfaces of our web applications or websites. Actually, it’s a library with the features of a framework. There are many websites and content-based applications built on it, like Facebook and Instagram. Now, you should explore the various benefits and drawbacks. Read the following table:

Features

These are the key features of the React.js framework that you need to be aware of. Check out the ones listed below.

• Using ReactJS’ virtual DOM or Document Object Model improves app performance by updating component properties without reloading the page.
• Providing developers with high-quality developers’ tools, such as the debugger and ReactJS.
• Since ReactJS uses unidirectional or downward data flow, the application will be more stable and perform better.
• In addition to being supported by both Android and iOS, rich UI native apps can also be built using ReactJS patterns.

Node.js: Benefits and Drawbacks

It is a powerful and compact framework primarily used for serving HTTP requests, hosting APIs, and database access. It is used by many tech behemoths and businesses like Netflix, Uber, and Trello, all of which are very successful. It can be considered an advantage for front-end developers who write their client-side code in JavaScript, but they do not need to learn another language to write their server-side code in JavaScript. There are many other benefits and drawbacks to the framework. Read more in the following table.

Features

These are the key features of the Node.js framework that you need to be aware of. 

Consider the ones listed below.

• Web applications will run faster due to NodeJS’ non-blocking functionality.
• It is an open-source and free framework.
• The developers can create different servers using NodeJS, including HTTP, TCP, and DNS servers.
• Unit testing is a feature of NodeJS named Jasmine that allows for quick testing of the ready code. 
• Applications created with NodeJS can be scaled both horizontally and vertically to enhance performance.
• It supports ECMAScript standard usage without any issues.
• Instead of waiting for our users to update their browsers, developers can choose which version of ECMAScript to use by selecting the NodeJS version.

Which is Preferable?

It is evident that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for technology once we have listed the good and bad points of both technologies. In reality, there is no clear winner. It all depends on the business requirements, the application specifications, and sometimes the composition of the engineering team.

• When you want to create a server-side web application, such as an online streaming platform, Node.js is the ideal one. When you want to develop a project with evolving states like dynamic inputs, buttons, etc., React.js is the best choice.
• React.js is great for social media applications, messaging applications, E-Commerce applications, and data visualisation tools.
• Node.js is best suited for streaming web applications, real-time chat-bots, big data and analytics solutions, single page applications, apps using microservices architecture, web extraction and automation tools, and IoT solutions.

Additionally, you can employ both React.js and Node.js in a single project. Node.js can be used to create the back-end, and React.js can be used to create the front-end. Netflix is the prime example of such framework integration. There is a large and engaged community supporting both of them. Depending on your requirements and needs, you can select one of the two.

The advantages, disadvantages, and features of the two were covered in this article, and understanding them will help you choose between the two. Otherwise, take advice from experienced developers or consultants who can analyse your web application development ideas and make sure you select the framework that best benefits you.  

Interesting links:

What is React.js? 

More information about Node.js 

Rahil Kandamplayil

Hi, my name is Rahil. I work at YUHIRO Global and I help web agencies and software companies from Europe to build developer teams in India.