Difference Between Node JS and Java (With Table)

Developers use both Node.js and Java for different applications and write them using different languages. The Node.js platform was established by Ryan Dahl, an American developer, in 2009. On the other hand, Java was created by James Gosling. 

Node.js vs Java 

The main difference between Node.js and Java is that Node.js is a scalable server-side application, and its framework is mainly written in C++. C. and JavaScript, whereas Java is used to create highly complex applications and its entire framework is mainly derived from just one programming language, C++. 

Node.js is a platform for executing JavaScript code. It is built on Chrome V8, which is a JavaScript engine that converts JavaScript calls to machine code. This is the distinction between Node.js and JavaScript: the former is an operating environment for the JavaScript language, while the latter is a programming language.  

Java was created by James Gosling of Sun Microsystems. The JDK (Java Development Kit) is a package that includes all of the components that are needed to run a Java application. The most recent version is Java 10, which was released in March 2018. Its frameworks include Hibernate, Struts, JSF, etc. 

Comparison Table Between Node.js and Java 

Parameters of Comparison 

Node.js 

Java 

Application Type 

Scalable server-side applications 

It has created highly complex applications. 

Application 

It is used for applications that modify real-time data. 

It is used for applications that create objects and manage data. 

Frameworks 

Express.js, Partial.js, and Sails.js 

JSF, Hibernate, Struts, etc. 

Installation 

You need to install an npm and an archive file on a system. 

You need to install JDK (Java Development Kit). 

Creation 

The framework is written using C++, C, and JavaScript. 

It is derived from C++. 

Scope 

Developers utilize it on the client and server sides. 

It is used to dominate server-side interaction. 

Project 

It is suitable for smaller-sized projects. 

It is suitable for more complex projects that are web-based. 

Usage 

It is useful for scalable and faster application requirements. 

It is useful for web applications, messaging, highly concurrent applications, etc. 

What is Node.js? 

Node.js was created by Rayn Dahl for the purpose of using JavaScript outside of the browser, and it was eventually taken over by Joyent. Node.js is used for both front-end and back-end development, and it may also be used to create mobile apps.  

The Node.js platform was established by Ryan Dahl, an American developer, in 2009. While the developers made extensive use of the “one thread for each connection” idea, Dahl’s new platform was centered on events. The system’s main goal was to create scalable network servers. 

Node JS has a lot of server-side features; for example, a developer can do various different things like listening, accessing the database directly from the computer, and listening to network traffic.  

Its characteristics allow it to manage the server-side, allowing a user to request a packet while also accessing the database. Express.js and Node.js are the foundations for several JavaScript frameworks. However, depending on the type of application, these frameworks may be used. Node.js has the advantage of being able to connect to devices via APIs as well as libraries built in other languages. 

Because Node JS permits the use of the same JavaScript for front-end and back-end programming, it is very easy to use. Developers may create real-time applications while also having the ability to create mobile applications. 

To solve scalability, Node JS uses an event-based approach, which allows for extensive JavaScript libraries for JavaScript modules, which makes writing easier. There are numerous Node JS frameworks available, including Express JS, Partial JS, and others.  

What is Java? 

James Gosling created Java at Sun Microsystems, and Oracle later acquired it. It is an object-oriented programming language. The Java Development Kit (JDK) contains the entirety of Java and is sufficient to run any Java program.  

It converts code into byte code, which can be run on any machine with Java installed, regardless of the operating system. Java has a large community and allows networking and graphical user interfaces.  

Many games are written in Java and are widely utilized. For web development, several frameworks, such as Spring on the server-side, are built on Java. Its syntax is majorly derived from C++.  

Java has a lot of concurrencies, networking, and graphical user interface capability (Graphic User Interface). The Java platform is used to create a wide range of frameworks. Today’s online development scene, which is based on the Java platform, is dominated by Spring. 

The Java compiler converts a Java source program into bytecode, which can subsequently be executed on any operating system. The operating system needs to have a compatible Java Runtime Environment. One of its most significant advantages is that the source code written in java is capable of running on any platform.  

Main Differences Between Node.js and Java 

  1. Node.js is used for scalable server-side applications, and Java has created highly complex applications. 
  2. Node.js can create applications that modify real-time data, and Java is used for applications that create objects and manage data. 
  3. Node.js includes frameworks like Express.js, Partial.js, Sails.js, whereas Java includes frameworks like JSF, Hibernate, Struts, etc. 
  4. Node.js requires an npm and an archive file to be installed on the system, and for Java, you need to install a Java Development Kit. 
  5. Node.js is written using C++, C, and JavaScript, and Java is written using mainly C++ only. 
  6. Developers can use Node.js on the client and server side, and Java can be used to dominate server-side interaction. 

Conclusion 

Java is a programming language, but Node JS is a C++ and JavaScript framework. There are a lot of things you can accomplish with Java that you can’t do with Node JS and vice versa. With its large and sophisticated range of tools and frameworks, Java has dominated the web development environment for years. Node JS is a framework created by JavaScript programmers for JavaScript programmers. It is effective on both the client and server sides of a program.  

Node JS, which is built on the event-driven approach, is the recommended solution for I/O bound operations. Because JavaScript is at the foundation of Node JS, JavaScript programmers will feel more at ease. With its frameworks and libraries, Java is a popular programming language that can achieve a variety of goals. 

References 

  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5617064/ 
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8186633/