Django vs Node.JS – Here’s a 3 Minutes Detailed Comparison Analysis

It’s hard to compare Django and Node.JS because they’re fundamentally different programming languages. Django is a Python web framework while Node.JS is a library written for JavaScript. Both are open-source, but which one should you learn first? Let’s find out in our Django vs Node.JS review.

One thing is for sure, both programming languages empower you to accomplish complex set of tasks within your application. So worry less about which one you should use, and spend time learning what makes each of them tick.

Let’s dive in!

Django vs Node.JS Overview

Really the two couldn’t be more different. There are a few key differences you should consider, however.

Django vs Node.JS: Programming Language

Django uses Python, one of the most beloved programming languages around. It has vast resources for documentation and a thriving community. You shouldn’t have any issues finding documentation or examples for every idea or issue.

Node.JS uses C, C++, and JavaScript. JavaScript is an elegant and dynamic language with a steep learning curve. If you’ve already invested the time in learning JS, Node.JS will be an excellent spot to start.

Python is a full-fledged scripting language, but Node.JS is a runtime application. However, Node.JS is a full-stack operation, avoiding issues with front and back-end development. You can have a smaller team, but you’re still going to end up spending more time getting things running because of JavaScript complexity.

Winner: Django if you want to get something up and running quickly. Node.JS if you’re already familiar with JavaScript or want a full stack solution.

Node.JS vs Django: Architecture

Django uses Model View Template (MVT) design pattern for organization, something very similar to model view controller. The model is the data or information itself while view is the way it’s arranged. Controller would be the options presented to the user, but MVT organizes all that information within the framework itself. It’s stateless and responds easier to new applications (though it isn’t as intuitive).

Node.JS uses event-driven programming in which the entire architecture is driven by “events,” or user choices and messages from other programs. The main loop has a callback function when an event is detected.

Web development largely skipped event-driven programming because in the early days of web development, things were page oriented with scripts on the page. MVT is excellent for server-side development, but event-driven programming is unidirectional rather than separating client and server sides.

Winner: Django for quick development. Node.JS for full stack, scalable solutions.

Django vs Node.JS: Security

Django wins hands down for security, but mostly because it takes so much experience and confidence to get the same security from Node.JS. JavaScript has all the security for a proper build, but it’s more likely you’ll have holes you won’t notice until it’s too late.

Django’s Python-based programming provides better, easier security without as much experience. This makes it better for programs where time is the most significant factor.

Winner: Django (for beginners)

Node.JS vs Django: Templates And Documentation

Django uses an in-house template system that helps reduce the amount of time you spend choosing the right one. It gets you up and running pretty quickly with plenty of documentation to help you make those decisions.

Node.JS leaves you hanging a bit, with a fully open system. This can be great for developers who are creative and experienced because it helps you get outside your own head for a bit, but for a beginner developer, you could lose a lot of time figuring out how to start.

You’ll have to build in time looking for modules to implement and then test for bugs. They aren’t going to be as reliable without the time built in for research. If you’ve got a team, you should make sure someone on your team is extremely experienced.

Winner: Django

Node.JS vs Django: Customizability

Node.JS gives you so much freedom. The previous category was great for beginners, but once you’re experienced, the space to create different kinds of apps is a lot wider. It’s un-opinionated, so you can build whatever you want from scratch without encountering resistance from the program.

Django gives you a lot of solutions to problems with a vast template and library system, which is great for productivity but not so great for vision. It’s not that you can’t build something beautiful and creative with Django. It’s just a lot more structure to work around.

Winner: Node.JS

The Good And The Bad – Pros & Cons

It’s a tough call between Django vs Node.JS.

Django

We recommend Django for structured solutions without much hassle. It’s great for startups and those who need precise, secure builds.

Pros:

• Precise, secure builds
• Vast documentation and template structures to make development more efficient
• Mature software with plugins
• Thriving community and support

Cons:

• Too bloated for small applications
• Template errors cause silent fails
• Not a full stack option

Node.JS

We recommend Node.JS for creative builds and full stack solutions.

Pros:

• Full stack development
• Excellent ecosystem with elegant solutions
• Un-opinionated for fluid builds
• Great for data-intensive, real-time apps

Cons:

• Not a lot of structure for beginners
• Can have security issues
• Heavy computations may fall short

Final Thoughts

The two can’t really compare to each other, but if you’re clear on what sort of developments you’ll be doing, Django vs Node.JS shouldn’t be tough to implement.