Golang VS. NodeJS: Which is Better for Backend Development in 2023?

Introduction

In the landscape of backend tools, both Golang and Node.js have persevered as key contenders, shaping online realms for an extended period. Through a thorough evaluation, a spectrum of performance metrics including scalability, efficacy, concurrency, error handling, learning curve, community involvement, and others has been considered. If you currently find yourself at a crossroads, deliberating on the most suitable choice with regard to security, scalability, and maintainability, this examination strives to determine the more pertinent selection between Golang and Node.js for your projects in 2023.

Github Star in 2023 for Golang and NodeJS

What is Golang? An Overview in 2023

Golang, also known as Go, stands as a statically typed programming language with its origins rooted in Google. Initially developed out of necessity, Golang emerged as a response to the dissatisfaction of Google's development team with their existing solutions. The goal was to craft a language that amalgamated the strengths of diverse programming languages, ultimately leading to improved performance. Over time, Golang has garnered substantial acclaim.

As an open-source programming language, Golang's foundational principles draw inspiration from Python for speed and C for safety. The latest version of the language as of now is Golang 1.21.

Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in Golang due to its distinct characteristics and enhancing the efficiency of the projects.[Read more about Why Companies Should Invest in Golang here. ]

Golang's versatility and efficiency are further exemplified by its adoption of Factory Design Patterns. These patterns are instrumental in enhancing code maintainability and scalability. By implementing Factory Design Patterns in Golang, companies can achieve highly organized and modular code, making it easier to manage and expand their software solutions. [Learn more about Implementing the Factory Design Pattern in Golang here. ]

Adoption and Milestones of Golang:

▪️In the Stack Overflow 2020 survey, Golang secured the 5th spot among the most favored programming languages.

▪️Golang's Goroutines, with their swift startup times compared to traditional threads, contribute to cleaner and more concise source code.

▪️According to Upwork data, Golang developers command an average hourly rate of around $44.

Advantages of Golang in 2023

🔸 Efficiency and Simplicity

🔸 Vibrant Community Support

🔸 Robust Toolset

🔸 Automated Memory Management

🔸 Forward and Backward Compatibility

🔸 Scalability at Its Core

What is NodeJS? An Overview in 2023

NodeJS stands as a dynamically typed runtime environment built on the foundation of JavaScript, capable of encompassing an entire web application development project within a singular programming language. Functioning as an open-source and cross-platform entity, NodeJS relies on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. Its versatility extends across multiple platforms, including Linux, Windows, and Mac. Furthermore, NodeJS offers an extensive repository of libraries that streamline the process of web application development.

Initially designed to execute JavaScript code, NodeJS has evolved into a potent tool that engenders code for both backend and frontend development, culminating in the server-side development of web applications. This evolution has firmly established NodeJS as a revolutionary and successful programming language for web application development. At Bacancy, we extend comprehensive NodeJS development services to usher evolution into your project's backend.

NodeJS Adoption and Milestones:

▪️ During 2017 and 2018, NodeJS secured the first position as the most commonly utilized language in the Tools, Frameworks, and Library category, as indicated by the Tech Overflow Survey.

▪️The incorporation of NodeJS led Netflix to experience a remarkable 70% reduction in startup time.

▪️According to W3Techs, approximately 1.5% of well-known websites employ NodeJS in their technology stack.

Advantages of NodeJS in 2023

🔸 Remarkable Performance and Efficiency

🔸 Versatile Cross-Platform Support

🔸 Inherent Scalability

🔸 Abundant Package Ecosystem

🔸 Event-driven and Asynchronous Architecture

Comparing Golang and NodeJS for Backend Development

Parameter	Golang	NodeJs
Release Date	Aug-12	Oct-11
Architecture Design	Golang continues to embrace the Clean Architecture design pattern, which underscores the principle of "separation of layers."  This well-established methodology, favored by software engineers for years, ensures a clear demarcation between different components within the application's structure.	Node.js remains aligned with its "Single Threaded Event Loop" architecture.  This design enables Node.js to adeptly manage concurrent clients by harnessing a single thread that handles events in a non-blocking manner.  This architecture facilitates efficient task handling without the intricacies of complex threading models.
Performance	In the landscape of raw speed, Golang holds a slight advantage over Node.js.  Golang's unique attribute lies in its direct assembly into machine code, eliminating the need for an interpreter.  This characteristic delivers performance akin to low-level languages like C++, thereby bolstering its prowess.	Node.js's optimized architecture showcases its own strengths.  Node.js retains its position as an extensively utilized technology for constructing high-speed and resilient applications.  Its event-driven architecture and non-blocking I/O operations contribute to achieving remarkable performance levels, particularly in scenarios that demand responsiveness and efficiency.
Scalability and Concurrency	Golang remains a robust choice for web development projects, primarily due to its inherent concurrency and scalability features.  Golang's architecture lays a solid foundation for building applications that can seamlessly accommodate increased demand.	Node.js is designed to boost application performance on a single server through both vertical and horizontal scaling strategies.  Vertical scaling involves optimizing the existing server resources, while horizontal scaling entails expanding the application's capabilities by distributing the load across multiple servers.
Documentation	Rarely updated	Often up to date
Coding Speed	Golang continues to offer the advantage of reduced coding time for developers.  The streamlined syntax and design philosophy enable developers to accomplish more with less code, expediting the development process.	While Node.js empowers a unified language for both frontend and backend, it can involve taking diverse paths to reach a specific coding destination.  This multiplicity of routes, while offering flexibility, can potentially lead to detours that impact the overall speed of coding.
The community	Golang technology has a community which is growing day by day.  Github – 93k Closed Pull Requests – 1200	Node.js enjoys substantial backing from industry giants like Microsoft, Intel, and IBM. Node.js's large and established community, with over 1 billion downloads in 2018, signifies its rapid expansion. Github – 83.5k stars  Closed Pull Requests – 24,000
Security	Golang is experiencing a growing preference among security professionals due to its robust features.  The inherent qualities of Golang contribute to its effectiveness in addressing security concerns.	Node.js remains a go-to technology for web application creation.  It's noteworthy that Node.js is positioned as an environment intended to achieve a high level of security, aiming for a standard of being 100% secure.
Learning Curve	Golang poses a steeper learning curve, often requiring more effort from developers.	Node.js does not have a steep learning curve.  JavaScript's popularity contributes to Node.js's simplicity for programmers to grasp.
Development Tools	Golang showcases specialized and efficient tools.  Golang offers a robust standard library despite a comparatively limited array of tools.	Node.js takes the lead in terms of sheer quality.  Node.js developers enjoy access to an extensive repository of over 836,000 open-source libraries and tools through NPM.
Error Handling Approach	Golang adopts a unique approach.  Compilation errors are typically syntax-related and are correctable within the code.  Runtime errors require explicit handling	Node.js employs the familiar try-catch exception mechanism, instantly capturing and managing potential errors during runtime.

When it comes to the realm of web development, the Golang and Node.js dichotomy has captured the attention of developers. Both technologies hold their unique appeal, making the choice between them a captivating deliberation. As we explore the comparison between Golang and Node.js, it becomes evident that personal preferences play a pivotal role in determining the optimal choice.

Golang's widespread popularity within the web development community has earned it a considerable following, often leading some to perceive it as the ultimate solution. Conversely, Node.js stands strong as a formidable contender, undeniably capable of offering a robust challenge. In the realm of Golang vs. Node.js, personal inclinations can significantly influence the decision-making process.

Choosing Between Golang and Node.js for Web Development in 2023

After delving into the intricacies of both Golang and Node.js, the decision-making process becomes multi-faceted. Both technologies have seen significant growth, adding to the complexity of the choice. Let's further explore the factors to consider when deciding between Golang and Node.js for web development in 2023.

JavaScript's domination as the most popular programming language, as per Stack Overflow, adds weight to Node.js's prominence. Golang, while not the most popular, holds a notable position as the fifth most loved programming language, a testament to its unique appeal.

Through our comprehensive comparison of Node.js and Golang, it becomes clear that both technologies exhibit robust qualities. Golang boasts exceptional performance, while Node.js shines in its tools, simplicity, and frontend development capabilities.

Choose the correct Tech for your project

Conclusion

In conclusion, the determination of whether to choose Golang or Node.js for web development hinges on the nature of your project. The type of web application you envision plays a pivotal role in making this choice. A well-informed decision should take into account technical and business considerations. Should the decision-making process still leave you uncertain between Golang and Node.js for your web development venture, reach out to us. We're here to guide you in making the optimal choice for your project's success in the evolving landscape of 2023.