What are the Differences Between AngularJS and NodeJS?

If you’re trying to build a web application, you’re going to need some knowledge on JavaScript and its respective frameworks—AngularJS and NodeJS. Both of these platforms are used to create unique, interactive web apps that boost user experience. However, more often than not, only one of the two is used during the ongoing development of a web app.

While they are both JavaScript technologies, they differ greatly across the board in functionality, overall performance, and what they’re each used for in developing any given application. Understanding the ins and outs of each, and their respective differences, will allow you to choose the framework that works best for the application you’re developing. This, in turn, will give your users the best experience possible.

Before we talk about the differences between the two, it’s important to understand exactly what each of the frameworks are and what they do.

What is AngularJS?

AngularJS is a type of structural framework that developers use when they need to create dynamic web applications that are more focused on the client-side of things. It’s an open source JavaScript platform, meaning it’s free to use, and was developed and is maintained by Google. AngularJS allows for a dynamic, interactive web application experience without the addition of too many extra plug-ins or outside applications. It’s considered a more front-end process of web development that aims to simplify support, development, and programming.

HTML is the primarily template language used in AngularJS and most developers use it to create single page web applications that are optimized across both desktop and mobile devices.

What is NodeJS?

NodeJS is a cross-platform framework that helps run JavaScript outside of a given browser. It’s also an open source tool, but this one is more targeted toward web applications focusing on the server-side of things. It’s used more often in networking applications, as there are a lot of things that need to occur behind the scenes. NodeJS is great for applications that anticipate lots of scalability and tends to simplify the entire developmental process, making it good for those with less experience. It’s considered a much more back-end process of web development than AngularJS.

What Are the Differences Between AngularJS and NodeJS

Different doesn’t always mean better. Different doesn’t always mean worse. There are a lot of differences between the two frameworks, but like we mentioned, this only matters when looking at which one will better assist the web application you’d like to develop. Each option is great for what they do respectively, so it’s important to make sure you know exactly what you need. Before moving forward, clearly identify what your web app will do, how it will run, and what kind of user experience you’re looking for. Afterwards, check out the differences between AngularJS and NodeJS to determine which one will be the most beneficial to use.

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  Underlying Architecture

  At the basic level, the core architectures between both AngularJS and NodeJS are very different. Angular JS is a web application development framework created by Google that follows JavaScript syntax rules. It’s written and coded using entirely JavaScript and no other languages. Additionally, Google developed it as an open source web app framework. This makes web apps much more dynamic, as they can easily run without performance issues across both desktops and mobile devices.

  Conversely, NodeJS is written in C, C++, and JavaScript—so it works across multiple platforms and is tailored towards Google’s JavaScript engine. This allows NodeJS to be used for server-side applications and helps make scalability run on a much smoother level. NodeJS is tailored mostly towards desktop web applications like web servers, but can be applied to mobile apps depending on the situation.

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  Framework

  When using JavaScript, AngularJS can be applied as a web framework. This means that certain aspects of the website can actually be automated during the creation stages and as an ongoing process, saving a lot of time and potential complications. These automations can occur during the development of websites, web applications, web services, and web application frameworks. NodeJS does not have a direct capability when being applied as a web framework, but there are additional frameworks that can be used with NodeJS to get the same result.

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  Installation Process

  To run the application and get everything set up with AngularJS, developers don’t need to actually install it onto their computers. It can instead be embedded into the code and activated when the web app is opened and used. NodeJS, on the other hand, needs to be installed on a developer’s computer in order to use it and embed it into the web app. Installing an extra program isn’t too big of a deal, but it does involve one more step. However, it’s well worth it when developing an app that will need NodeJS to run.

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  AngularJS Features

  One of the best features of AngularJS is the Model View Control Architecture (MVC Framework). This feature simplifies building a web application for developers while still providing a smooth, dynamic end result. Code is simplified using MVC and it helps to automatically sync and update different elements.

  AngularJS is also extremely user friendly and includes multiple extra elements without the added complexity. Codes are optimized, developers are efficient, and users are happy.

  Finally, a great addition mist that it includes Plain Old JavaScript Objects, which makes things run almost self-sufficiently. This makes planning much easier and developers can successfully play around with different elements to get exactly the look and feel they need. Additionally, custom HTML can be integrated into any web app, making user experience perfectly tailored for each and every project.

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  NodeJS Features

  NodeJS also supports MVC Framework, but includes different features. For NodeJS, these features are primarily focused on server-side development and applications. One of the best NodeJS features is its scalability for performance enhancements—both vertically and horizontally. Developers can then easily test the code using a number of different testing platforms.

  Overall NodeJS does have a better performance. This is because the V8 engine that is used makes everything run extremely fast, without having to overcome roadblocks. NodeJS is completely free to use and there is no limit as to how long you can use it.

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  Data Manipulation

  Both AngularJS and NodeJS can work with data and manipulates it in various ways. However, only AngularJS works to support two-way data binding—which will automatically synchronize data between the web application model and view components. NodeJS does not have this option, but it does provide a feature for generating multiple database queries—something that AngularJS lacks. This makes life easier for programmers that will need to create multiple queries. Again, both frameworks offer something beneficial, but different depending on your needs.

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  Usages

  AngularJS is best used to create single page applications or ones that will be maintained and updated by the client. For instance, when using AngularJS, it’s easier to create interactive applications that favor user experience in real time, such as instant messaging and more. It’s used in a way that is specifically tailored to the client. NodeJS is used more so for developers who are focusing on building an app that will need more scalability from the back-end. It’s used primarily in network applications or when working with servers. NodeJS is an extremely collaborative friendly framework, so it is great for developers working across platforms on small size projects that want the potential to growth. Plus, NodeJS tends to be faster as a whole, so it’s essential when your projects need to prioritize speed.

Is One Better Than the Other?

Each of these JavaScript frameworks is great for building and developing web applications. Neither is better than the other, only because they both focus on creating different applications. The best way to determine which framework is best for you is to take a look at your needs and match them up to each of the features offered on each respective framework. Remember, when building a server-side app, NodeJS is the way to go and when creating single-page client-side, dynamic web apps, AngularJS is more suited to getting the job done.¹

Instead of selecting one or the other and then trying to build your app, make it clear what your app will be used for and how it will be navigated. Once you’ve determined that, you’ve got your answer on which framework is better for you.

If you’re stuck and can’t seem to figure out which one your web app will need, get in contact with the professionals at Plego Technologies today. We specialize in custom web application design and development and will be able to help you figure out exactly which JavaScript framework will help your project strive. If you’d rather leave the development to the professionals, we can help with that too. Give us a call to learn more about our services today.

Sources:
1 https://www.guru99.com/node-js-vs-angularjs.html
2 https://www.bluepiit.com/blog/nodejs-vs-angular/
3 https://www.angularminds.com/blog/article/comparison-between-angularJS-vs-node-js.html