Laravel vs. Node.js: Which should you choose?

Laravel vs. Node.js: Which should you choose?

To design a web page or a web application, there are many different possibilities. One obvious solution is to design them yourself from scratch – using programming and markup languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.

However, this not only entails an enormous amount of work. In addition, many tasks in this area require extensive expertise. Therefore, you need programmers with good education and a lot of experience for this.

For these reasons, additional technologies are often used for web development that make this task much easier. These often contain ready-made functions that can be easily inserted into the project.

This not only accelerates development. In addition, significantly less expertise is required to use these functions than to implement them yourself.

Therefore, developers with a little less experience can also take on these tasks. However, this raises the question of what technology you should use. Two of the most popular options for this are Laravel and Node.js.

In the following sections, we will first briefly introduce these to you and then find out which of these technologies is better suited for your project.

What is Laravel?

Laravel is a PHP framework. This runs on a web server and allows you to run a website or web application. For this purpose, the framework provides numerous methods and interfaces. These can be easily called up within the program. This allows the programmer to use these functions without having to design them himself. Of great importance here, for example, is the authentication of visitors. Extensive knowledge is required to implement these with a high level of safety. However, with the Laravel framework, this can be inserted with a few commands. It also makes it easy to connect different database systems. In addition, there are various HTML templates that facilitate the design of the page. However, these can be customized if required.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment. This means that it is a system that allows JavaScript code to be executed. This was originally only possible in the web browser, which limited this programming language to front-end applications.

However, the Node.js runtime environment makes it possible to run JavaScript programs in a different environment – for example, as a desktop application, but primarily on a web server as a back-end application.

Thus, together with the JavaScript programming language used, it represents an alternative to the PHP applications previously prevalent in backend development. It also includes an extensive collection of libraries, with the help of which it is possible to insert prefabricated modules into the web application, which significantly simplifies development.

The similarities

Before we look at the differences between the two technologies, it is useful to highlight the similarities. From this you can see that they have many similarities, especially with regard to the scope of application. Therefore, for many projects, both techniques come into question. Which one is more suitable then depends on details of implementation.

With both Laravel and Node.js it is possible to develop websites and web applications. While these technologies are primarily used for back-end development, they also allow for front-end design.

Both alternatives are open source applications. This does not only mean that you can use them free of charge. In addition, it is possible to customize the code to your individual requirements if necessary. After all, both offerings are robust and well-tested technologies that are used even by well-known companies.

Different programming languages

When it comes to the differences between the two techniques, the first thing that stands out is that they use different programming languages. While Laravel uses PHP, Node.js uses JavaScript. In order to use the respective technology, a good knowledge of the corresponding language is required. PHP developers therefore often choose the Laravel framework for their projects, while JavaScript developers mostly opt for the Node.js runtime.

However, this should not play the decisive role for the client. It is recommended to always choose the technology that best fits the project – even if it requires finding a new developer.

The structure of the two systems

In terms of structures, there are significant differences between the two technologies. Laravel uses the so-called Model-View-Controller architecture. This separates the application into three different areas.

The term Model is used to describe the processes that run in the background – for example, the database connection. View refers to the areas that are used as output for interaction with the user.

The controller receives the user’s requests and triggers an appropriate response. Node.js, on the other hand, uses an event loop with a single thread. Unlike many other techniques, the individual requests do not block each other. This means, for example, that the program does not have to wait until a request to an interface is processed. Meanwhile, it can work on other tasks.

Which system scales better?

When a company grows, it is often necessary to adapt the web applications used to higher demand as well. Then there is the question of scalability. With its single-threaded architecture, the Node.js runtime environment scales exceptionally well.

With the Laravel framework, at least in the past, this posed a somewhat larger problem, as there was a significant amount of additional computational overhead for all requests. By using an HTTP balancer, Laravel applications are now also very scalable.

The execution speed

The single-thread architecture of Node.js is also convincing in terms of execution speed. Laravel applications are significantly slower. However, they are more robust. This can be an advantage especially for applications that require extensive computing processes.

Which technology offers higher security?

In terms of security, Laravel is clearly the better alternative. This already starts with the aforementioned feature of user authentication. This is of great importance for safe use of the application.

The Laravel framework performs this task completely automatically – taking into account current security standards. It also offers many additional security features. For example, all input is checked when interacting with the user to exclude harmful content.

With Node.js, on the other hand, you have to take care of these tasks yourself. Nevertheless, this technology also offers good security – but only for the components integrated into the system. Extensions from other providers often entail significant security risks.

Predefined templates

When you use Laravel, you get access to pre-built templates that make front-end design easier.

This makes it easier, especially for backend developers, to take on this task as well. Nevertheless, these templates can also be easily customized. Node.js, on the other hand, offers fewer options in this area.

Which system to choose: a question of requirements

The last sections have shown that there are some significant differences between Laravel and Node.js. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider which technique is better suited for each project.

The Node.js environment is ideal for applications that focus on performance. For example, you can use it to design chat applications or offer streaming services.

With Laravel, on the other hand, security and robustness play the decisive role. This is also reflected in the use of technologies. While Node.js is often used in the arts and entertainment sectors, Laravel plays a larger role for web applications from banks, educational institutions, and e-commerce providers.

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On 27. December 2022   /   JavaScript, Laravel   /   Leave a comment