PHP vs JavaScript (Node.js): Which Is Better And Why!

The battle between PHP and JavaScript can be re-imagined as a battle between two old good friends who parted ways due to some differences. The battle is frequent between the two as one shows interest in the other one's domain, unintentionally though. Once upon a time PHP and JavaScript were the rulers of the Internet world and then Node.js was introduced, much to PHP's dislike.

PHP and JavaScript are always fighting with each other to gain the better position in a developer's mind. In older days, the partnership was good enough as JavaScript used to look after small details of the browser and PHP used to manage the server-side tasks. But then JavaScript was planned to be run on the server too, which means need of PHP to build next-generation server stacks was falling down. Then Node.js changed the whole scenario and it was JavaScript everywhere around.

Among developers, some are happy with the simplicity of JavaScript and Node.js, while some others like the deep code base and stability of PHP. So the debate is always on which is better. Here is a comparison between the two which shows how PHP and Node.js benefit developers in their own ways:

1. PHP mixes code with content while Node separates the two: 

You might be putting content on your website and you want that a branch is added to the process. In this way it looks prettier, depending on some certain parameters in the URL. You might be also wanting to mix in text and data from a database. If PHP is there, with the help of PHP tags you can write code within seconds. As everything is template there is no need of an external one. No extra file is also required and neither elaborate architectures.

With Node, mixing code with content is a big No-No. Yes it's definitely fun to mix code with HTML initially but when there is too much logic in your code base you will not enjoy it anymore. Programmers prefer to add structure and separate the cosmetic layer from the logical one.

2. PHP has deep code base while new code in Node has improved features: 

PHP code is prevalent across the Web space. The most popular platforms for building websites like WordPress, Drupal and Joomla are written in PHP. The platforms are open source and they have plug-ins too. So PHP code has a deep base, you can download and modify as per individual needs.

But PHP code is not updated for years now. Node.js plug-ins are modern with all latest architectural approaches. It's for those programmers who love modern Web apps.

3. Simple PHP vs complex Node: 

PHP has just a few variables and some basic functions. It has a thin layer which only moves data from port 80 to the database and so on. JavaScript is more complex with a modern syntax and useful features like closures. JavaScript can be customised easily.

4. PHP doesn't need client apps while Node has thinner service calls: 

Yes it's better to use the same language in the browser and on the server but what will happen if the browser doesn't need any language at all? PHP is optimsed in such a way that can create pure HTML pages. But there are not loads of HTML markups and if someone tries to create a browser-side Web app, then Node is a gift. Node.js is optimised to deliver data through Web services. If the app is complex and full of data, then its foundation is also efficient.

5. PHP loves SQL while Node loves JSON: 

PHP has been built to co-exist with MySQL and its variants like MariaDB. The vast SQL world has no boundaries. They are mostly stable with well-developed code and an SQL database. All the power is integrated into a PHP project. But Node.js has libraries which have access to SQL too. Node.js mainly speaks JSON for communicating with latest NoSQL databases. Well JSON libraries can also be accessed for PHP stack, but it's simpler to use with JavaScript.

6. PHP vs Node in speed of coding: 

Some developers think that PHP coding for Web apps is faster as it doesn't require compilers, deployment, JAR files and pre-processors. It's all about the editor and PHP files in a directory. Though coding with JavaScript is tougher, but if it's done then Node.js just flies off. It has a callback mechanism which is extremely useful.

Courtesy: Java World