ASP.NET vs. Node.js are two modern platforms for server-side developing. Which platform should you use while developing various web applications? What are the differences when comparing the .NET framework vs. Node.js? Read on to find out.
Node.js overview
An interesting trend we are seeing today is the migration to JavaScript. It connects libraries written in various languages and interacts with I/O devices thanks to Node.js.
The main Node.js API doesn’t provide any way to block a stream while waiting for I/O or any other operation. All I/O is realized by starting operation and then getting a late call back when I/O is complete. Node.js uses system resources efficiently. The platform can support ten thousand concurrent requests to a single central thread in comparison to a hundred concurrent requests in alternative platforms.
Advantages of using Node.js
- You can use JavaScript on the server-side;
- The cross-platform libuv library allows you to interact with the OS and perform asynchronous I/O;
- You can easily use external modules with other applications without special installation.
- With Node.js, you can create modules that you can use in different applications. At the same time, they will not affect the other code.
- New versions of Node.js are closely associated with the development of V8. With V8, JavaScript code is converted to byte code for use in a virtual machine.
Where is it better to use Node.js?
The Node.js platform is designed primarily for increased use in developing JavaScript. It allows for expanding its capabilities significantly, making the platform universal. With the help of Node.js, it is possible to create any application and work on some smaller, lightweight projects.
You can use Node.js for:
- Developing web applications;
- Developing applications for Linux, OS X, and Windows;
- Creating of API.
Among the apps built on Node.js, you can find PayPal, Netflix, Uber, LinkedIn, eBay, and many others.
.NET & ASP.NET overview
ASP.NET platform appeared in 2002. Today it’s an open-source web-application framework from Microsoft. It combines the efficiency and accuracy of the architecture, the latest ideas, and techniques of agile software development.
Advantages of using .NET
Why use Node.js web server vs. .NET? Let’s look at some benefits of ASP.NET vs. Node.js:
- Possibility of separation of concerns
- Reduced coding time
- Power and flexibility
- Simplicity in use
- Customization and extensibility
- Security
- Manageability
- Continuous monitoring
- Cross-platform migration
Where is it better to use .NET?
The .NET platform allows applying different programming languages, libraries, and editors to create websites, web and mobile applications, games. Such sites as StackOverflow, Microsoft, and Dell run on .Net. Among .NET desktop apps, you can find Visual Studio, Reflector, GNOME Do. Many industries rely on .NET, for instance, Chipotle, UPS, GoDaddy, Asgard Systems, Siemens Healthineers, and many others.
Conclusion
So, what to choose — Node.js or ASP.NET? All things considered, ASP.NET (Core) is more suitable for larger applications, while for small and medium-size services, it is more useful to opt for Node.js. Speaking of .NET vs. Node.js performance, .NET has a slightly higher performance, but the lightness of Node.js compensates this.
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