A Detailed Comparison Between Node.js vs Go: Which One to Choose?

Introduction

When it comes to sophisticated programming languages, today’s web and mobile developers have a wide range of options. The languages available are not just useful for front-end developers, but also back-end developers.

We know that Node.js is a well-known and widely used open-source server framework that allows users to access JavaScript on the domain controller. Node.js is based on Google’s JavaScript engine, which aids in the development of quick and scalable communication networks.

However, Node.js may not be the only backend development language available; another well-known Google programming language known as Go, commonly known as Golang, is also available.

Golang is a structured query and well-compiled scripting language modeled after the C syntax. It is mostly used for developing code that can be executed on the application server. It features goroutines and channels that are extremely helpful in the creation of networking. It’s a high-level language that prioritizes concurrency and performance over anything else.

As a result, a balanced comparison of Google’s second most prominent backend web development platforms determined by a number of key features and other aspects would be far more appropriate.

Golang

Google’s Go is a statistically typed programming language. Golang was born out of necessity at first. To be more specific, Google’s development team was dissatisfied with their present options. As a result, they created a language that might achieve an outstanding blend of the advantages of various languages in order to perform better. Golang, on the other hand, has clearly gained hearts over time.

Its essential structure as a transparent programming language is based on the ideas of Python for efficiency and C for security. Golang handles collection restrictions, memory safety safeguards, structural type, and other critical elements, avoiding a slew of current programming language features. This is, however, another argument why Golang makes the process of developing code easier and more efficient.

Node JS

NodeJS is a dynamically typed language (JavaScript-based) runtime environment that may be used to cover the entirety of a web app development project with only one programming language. It’s a cross-platform, open-source environment based on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. NodeJS runs on a variety of operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and Mac. In addition, NodeJS comes with a large library that simplifies web app development.

NodeJS was originally designed to run JavaScript code. Today, NodeJS aids in the creation of code for both backend and frontend web application development, as well as server-side web application development, rendering it an innovative and successful Online application programming language.

Golang VS Node JS: Statistics

• According to a Stack Overflow 2020 poll, Golang is the fifth most widely used programming language.
• When compared to processes, goroutines have a faster startup time. This gives Golang the ability to keep its source code nice and tidy.
• According to Upwork, Golang engineers earn roughly $44 per hour.
• According to the Tech Overflow Survey, NodeJS was the most frequently and widely used language in the Technologies, Architectures, and Libraries category in 2017 and 2018.
• Netflix saw a 70 percent drop in startup time after switching to NodeJS.
• According to W3Techs, NodeJS is used by about 1.5 percent of all well-known websites.

Go VS NodeJS: What Is The Difference?

As Golang is so popular amongst web developers, some may see it as the ideal savior for website development. NodeJS, on the other hand, is no less. Both are excellent possibilities depending on individual tastes and give a difficult fight. Let’s take a deeper look at a few areas where the two technologies vary to settle this dispute.

Learning Curve

Since JavaScript is so widely used, NodeJS often has a lower learning curve. This makes learning the language quite straightforward for programmers. In the case of Golang, however, programmers are frequently faced with a high learning curve.

Performance

Whenever it’s power and performance and sheer speed, Golang has a little advantage over Node JS. Golang is compiled straight into machine code and does not necessitate an interpreter. This gives Golang the same degree of performance as low-level languages like C++. Golang is just as good as NodeJS when it pertains to IO operations

In terms of reliability, NodeJS trails Golang by a hair. The V8 JavaScript engine ensures that the product operates without the aid or demand of an interpreter, thanks to the optimized and upgraded single-threaded NodeJS.

Scalability & Concurrency

Concurrency is managed by NodeJS via APIs like clusters, child processes, and worker threads. These APIs ensure that NodeJS handles all user requests in a reliable and comprehensive way, avoiding bottlenecks.

Golang, on the other hand, is designed to handle several jobs at the same time. GoRoutines are used by Go developers to run multi-threaded functions. On the plus side, they don’t use up a lot of RAM. All of this makes Go a more capable and dependable contender for handling time-consuming and complex activities without jeopardizing or compromising other operations.

Error Handling

The Error Handling function of NodeJS should be known to the majority of developers. It supports the try-catch exception, which traps possible mistakes and handles them at execution.

With Golang, though, the procedure is slightly different. During runtime and compilation, Golang checks for problems in a unique way. Compilation mistakes are typically syntax-related and may be fixed in the code, whereas execution errors require specific management. This function’s return value must be carefully examined. Studies are now being conducted in order to integrate improved handling mechanisms in the forthcoming Golang version.

Development Tools

The availability of ready-to-use tools decreases development time. NPM allows access to over 836,000 open-source tools and features for NodeJS developers. While there is no scarcity of NodeJS tools, choosing the correct ones might be difficult.

When it relates to tools, Golang does not have a lot of options, but it does have a solid standard library. In general, Golang’s tools are limited. Each of them, on the other hand, is designed to make Golang’s code more readable. For example, Golang Test allows developers to perform a comprehensive set of tests on their code, while Golang Vet weeds out suspicious and uncommon structures.

Community

With the NodeJS Organization, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM are among the companies that support NodeJS. In 2018, the number of NodeJS installations consistently exceeded 1 billion. This demonstrates how quickly the NodeJS community is expanding. The magnitude of the NodeJS ecosystem actively encourages its use.

There are hints that Golang is attempting to compete with, if not outperform, NodeJS in order of popularity. On Github, NodeJS has 83.5k stars, whereas Golang has 93k. Open pull proposals for Golang and NodeJS are very comparable. NodeJS, on the other hand, has 24000 closed PRs, whereas Golang has just 1200. As a result, the fan bases for both techniques are not evenly spread.

Also Read: Best Golang Web Frameworks for Web Development in 2024

NodeJs vs Golang: Which One Leads in Backend Development?

The browser’s goper.js may be used to run the Go code. However, for client-side development, the majority of developers favor the JavaScript front-end computer languages. Go is more commonly used as a backend language, and it provides excellent efficiency for designing concurrent systems. Shifting to client-side programming using Node.js won’t be an issue at all.

Golang Vs Node.js: What Makes Them Powerful?

Today, Go is among the most extensively used programming languages in the world. It allows for top-of-the-line productivity as well as multi-core power consumption. Node, on either hand, comes with a full runtime environment that includes all of the required development tools.

Node.js Vs Go: Which Companies Are Using Them?

Companies are using cutting-edge technology to achieve the highest standard and super-fast efficiency in the continually changing business environment. After analyzing Node.Js Vs Golang, it’s time to see the choice of major brands for creating backend alternatives:

GoLang

• LinkedIn
• Netflix
• eBay
• Trello
• PayPal

Node.js

• Uber
• BBC
• Google
• Medium
• Intel

NodeJS Vs Golang – Which Is the Best?

Even after a comprehensive Node JS vs Golang development comparison, it’s still difficult to pick a victor, since both have their own set of strengths and limitations. Golang clearly wins in terms of performance, whereas Node.JS leads in terms of simplicity, application frameworks, and the breadth of front-end developer tools. 

Summary

As you can see from everything we’ve discussed thus far, there is no one-size-fits-all language/tech stack for every project. While Go is the best server-side framework for services and enterprise solutions that need to handle a lot of traffic, Node.js is an excellent alternative for mitigating development issues by employing ready-made solutions and designing a bespoke app in less time. 

The preference between nodejs and golang standard is entirely dependent on your app project specifications, intended audience, and other factors. So, discuss the best mobile app development company to determine which server-side environment is best for your app development requirements– Node.js vs Golang. You may choose quality-assured node js mobile application development services in no time with the aid of a reputable mobile application development firm, and reach your goals without even any problem.