I’m trying to decide between Python and Node.js for my next server-side project and I’m really torn. Both technologies seem to have their strengths when it comes to building web applications and REST APIs. I’ve been doing some research but I keep going back and forth between the two options.
What I’m mainly wondering about is which one performs better in real-world scenarios. Does one handle high traffic loads better than the other? Also, I’m thinking about the learning curve—does one have a significant advantage for someone new to programming?
I also want to consider scalability. If I plan to develop a larger application with multiple services, which option would be more suitable? I’ve heard mixed feedback from various developers, and I’d really appreciate insights from this community.
What have your experiences been with these two platforms? Which one would you recommend, and why?
node.js has been my go-to lately. the event loop handles concurrent requests well and npm’s ecosystem is massive. if you already know js for frontend, using it on backend means no context switching between languages. performance-wise, both work fine unless ur building the next facebook lol
I’ve worked with both for years now, and I would generally choose Python for most server-side tasks. The ecosystem is more mature; you have comprehensive support for databases, authentication, and complex business logic. Frameworks like Django and Flask have proven themselves in production environments over many years. In terms of performance, for typical web applications, the difference is negligible. I’ve managed Python services with thousands of concurrent users without issue, as performance bottlenecks usually arise from database queries or API calls rather than the runtime itself. Additionally, Python’s syntax is straightforward, making debugging and maintenance simpler. This is particularly beneficial when collaborating in teams or revisiting code after a long break. Node.js can become complex with asynchronous programming, which may pose challenges for beginners. Moreover, Python excels in its library offerings, especially for data processing, machine learning, and scientific calculations. If your project has the potential to expand into these areas, opting for Python can facilitate a smoother transition.
what’s ur project about? that’d help me give better advice. are you working alone or with a team? node.js can turn into callback hell if ur not careful, but python’s indentation drives some people crazy. why not build a quick prototype in both and see which feels better?