AngularJS vs Node.js: Why is it crucial to know the differences?
October 28, 2021•4 min read
Every seed is gold since it can grow into a tall, strong tree. However, for a tiny seed to sprout life, it must be planted first, then watered and protected from cold, wind, and heat. If you choose the wrong seedbed, put it in the dark, or forget to strengthen the seedlings, the tree will never grow. The same thing will happen to your project if you don't take care of the technology beforehand.
Without the proper tool and thoughtful development approach, your product can't grow and flourish. It sounds obvious, but choosing the right technology is one factor in a project's effectiveness.
How to choose a suitable tool quickly and without too much headache?
At The Frontend Company, we believe that for your product to be effective, you need to know the strengths and weaknesses of each technology. Today, we're going to act as referees for the AngularJS vs Node.js competition. So, what will you know next? We'll tell about the difference in the concepts of these technologies, their pros and cons, interesting statistics, and the scope of each solution.
NodeJS and AngularJS concepts
Before we get further into the AngularJS vs Node.js topic, we need to clarify some important details. Let's go over the basics with the help of our leading front-end developers, Denys and Alex.
AngularJS is an open-source JavaScript framework. This tool is responsible for everything that concerns the client side of the user interface. For instance, for displaying and putting information on a web page, as well as other visuals.
This framework cannot exist separately; it is connected to the server's hardware and software, and the product comes to life in the programmer's hands. Since AngularJS runs on the MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern of software design, it simplifies many of the processing and testing tasks for the coder.
Node.js, in contrast, is a JavaScript runtime environment. It is an open-source and cross-platform solution, which is responsible for the back-end component of the product. This technology transforms JS into machine code. Simply put, by using Node.js, the processing of information goes on the server-side of the project.
Node.js appeared because JS used to run exclusively in the browser, and developers wanted more functionality for this programming language. Coders wanted to run JavaScript directly from their computers as an application, so programmers had the idea of creating this JS runtime. It makes this technology a lot like the Python scripting language.
According to various data, there are up to 100 different programming languages. Of this number, only 10-15 technologies are the most in-demand. These include JavaScript, HTML, Python, Java, CSS, SQL, C#, SQL, etc. If you add frameworks and libraries to the list, development tools will increase several times.
The engine behind NodeJS is V8, which was built with the help of the Danish branch of Google. One of the most influential figures in the production of the JavaScript-based engine was the programmer Lars Bak. The developer's name may be familiar to those who are interested in current technologies. In 2011, Bak, jointly with Kasper Lund, introduced the Dart programming language to the world.
Why cannot these tools be compared?
As mentioned before, these technologies are in charge of different parts of project development. Therefore, it would be wrong to have a typical AngularJS vs Node.js style battle. Without the front-end component, no product will be understandable and attractive to your customers. At the same time, without the back-end part, no project will be able to function.
The AngularJS vs Node.js question is a bit like choosing between chocolate ice cream and ribeye steak. Both are delicious. However, they have very different purposes at dinner. It's the same with these two web development tools.
With some libraries and frameworks, you can use NodeJS to build front-end applications. But there is no real need to do it; you can use the technology in connection with other, more suitable ones.
Besides, Angular JS and Node JS are part of a single stack of server-side software used for web development. It is called MEAN and stands for M (MongoDB), E (Express.js, which is one of the most popular Node frameworks), A (Angular.js), and N (Node.js). Since the listed web tools are used altogether, it again proves the pointlessness of comparing AngularJS vs Node.js.
What Alex thinks about the AngularJS vs Node.js comparison
Benefits of AngularJS technology for business
Moving on from AngularJS vs Node.js, let's take a detailed look at the advantages of the JavaScript framework.
- Easy integration of HTML codes and modules:
- DOM structure:
- Two-way data binding:
Link: https://www.airpair.com/angularjs/posts/angularjs-performance-large-applications
- Suitable for creating SPAs and client-side web applications:
- Perfect for projects where you have to process and update many data:
- Large developer community: GitHub
- Many programmers to find for your project:
- Dependency injection:
Companies that use AngularJS
- It is used to support many projects:370 000 websites
- Strong support from Google and Microsoft:
- No strict structure and availability of ready-made solutions:
- Cross-browser support:
- Possibility of reactive programming with RxJS:
These were the main advantages of front-end technology, which should have been described in more detail when comparing AngularJS vs Node.js.
Advantages of Node.js technology for business
Now it's time to talk about NodeJS features. Below is a list of essential elements of this back-end solution.
- Reliable technology:
- Delivers the optimal application speed:a performance comparison of Node.js
- Perfect for the building of scalable and fast apps:
- Cross-platform tool:
Companies that use Node.js
- Lots of free tools:
- JSON support:
- Great package manager npm:
- It could be used on a client and server-side:
Alex's quote about Node.js
- Perfect for microservices architecture:
- Many frameworks:
As you can see, some companies use Node JS and AngularJS to create their products. Despite the plenty of other front-end solutions, many are still working with the first version of Angular and are in no hurry to migrate to later and faster versions of Angular 2+. For some products, the MEAN stack is still the best.
AngularJS vs Node.js pros
Cons of AngularJS you should know
After the nice part of AngularJS vs Node.js, we move smoothly to the weaknesses. With a proper evaluation of the disadvantages of this or that framework, you will better assess the project's performance in the future.
- Difficulties with SEO:
- Poor documentation:
- Despite a large community, not all problems are solved:
- It is necessary to use in addition many other libraries:
- Not always good performance:
Disadvantages of Node.js you should know
When comparing Node JS vs AngularJS, it became clear there are a few disadvantages of this technology. The tool isn't perfect, but it is rightly viewed as a top-notch one.
- Performance degrades while processing compute-intensive tasks:
- Node.js has an asynchronous structure, so the technology relies heavily on callbacks:
- Documentation is not well-structured:
AngularJS vs Node.js cons
Summarizing the totals about AngularJS vs Node.js
Each of these solutions has its pros, and the choice should be made based on the specifics and niche of your product. Both technologies are successfully used to create projects in a wide variety of industries. Like the financial sector and banking, social networks, and microservices. For all that, these tools solve wholly different problems. For this reason, The Frontend Company team believes that the question AngularJS vs Node.js is completely pointless
We have successfully implemented many projects using both of these solutions. Together, they provided excellent functionality, superb design, and reliability. Just look at the Parloo or Frest case studies to make sure for yourself. Our team not only helps create successful products, but also provides some other services. We migrate projects, help you extend your team with qualified developers, and consult clients about web development.
FAQ
Alex Vasylenko is the founder of The Frontend Company, DBC and several other successful startups. A dynamic tech entrepreneur, he began his career as a frontend developer at Deloitte and Scandinavia's largest banking company. In 2023, Alex was honored as one of 'Top 10 Emerging Entrepreneurs' by USA Today.
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