Using different frameworks to create frontend and backend parts is not peculiar to programming. Anyway, does it make the engineering process more efficient if these instruments are based on the same programming language? For instance, React.js and Node.js are both based on JavaScript and can be used in combination for full-stack development.
In this context, the core difference between React.js and Node.js is their purpose: one is used for client-side development, whereas another is used for server-side development. Both are leaders of the most used web frameworks among developers list. Next, we'll explain their specific features and discuss the types of projects in which you can use their combination.
Node.js explained
Supported by: Node.js Foundation
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform runtime environment operating on the V8 JavaScript engine that executes code outside a browser. It is based on asynchronous event-driven programming with non-blocking input-output (I/O). Since 2009, it came a long way from being used in web development to being applied to every aspect of software creation. Let's further explore concepts describing Node.js.
- Cross-platform. It operates on Linux, OSX, and Windows.
- Runtime environment. Node is not a programming language but more of a software executing programs or applications written in JavaScript.
- Asynchronous. Node.js can run tasks simultaneously. If there is a task requiring time, Node passes it off to a background worker thread, which then deals with the operation. Once a long-time-running operation is completed, the single thread works with its results.
- Event-driven. Most of its core modules are built around event-driven architecture. Whenever a new request hits the server, the server emits a named event that causes corresponding functions to be called. Simply put, the event-driven architecture allows web products to efficiently respond to user actions.
- Non-blocking I/O. Its libraries are created with non-blocking paradigms. It means you don't have to wait until one operation finishes to proceed to further execution.
When to use Node.js?
Node was designed to create network applications. It suits for building real-time chats and tools, IoT, and streaming apps.
Pros and cons of using Node.js
As we said earlier, Node.js uses asynchronous transmission. Therefore, the program can have many ongoing operations that terminate whenever they're completed, while the processor is free to perform other tasks. In terms of performance, it means that the runtime environment is good for creating network-intensive apps which require serving many clients simultaneously.
Cross-platform development is easier with Node as well. Thanks to its modules, you don't need to recompile the code for every platform, just bundle app components as executable files for different operating systems.
Speaking of the cons, this technology experiences frequent API changes causing issues in maintenance. To avoid breaking the code, a Nodejs developer should keep an eye on recent updates. Another disadvantage is a lack of library support resulting in difficulties with finding a library to complete a particular task. And keep in mind that Node.js is not suitable for heavy computational tasks.
Find other articles on web development with Node.js in Stories and articles
React js explained
Supported by: Meta Platforms Inc.
It is an open-source and component-based frontend library for creating user interfaces (UI) that uses a declarative paradigm. Let's explain the underlined core features of React js.
- Component-based frontend library. React.js is neither a framework nor a programming language; it is a library that stores basic components commonly utilized for building interfaces. To answer the question if React.js is backend or frontend, the latter is the answer.
- Declarative paradigm. It modifies a UI with virtual DOM whenever an update is needed and simply adjusts to your data changes. From the user's perspective, it looks like the same screen with slightly different elements, e.g. a changing number of likes on Instagram.
When to use React js?
The library is used to create interfaces for web applications, apps driven by iOS and Android, canvas applications, TV apps, and simple desktop apps.
Pros and cons of using React
React is a popular library, and there are many ready-to-use solutions available, which reduce software development time. And you can create your own reusable components to quickly make a UI. The technology has enough flexibility for scaling and adding new features, which makes it suitable for MVPs.
The only disadvantage of React is that it's not very convenient for SEO as it is based on JavaScript. However, SEO doesn't always play a great role. For instance, at Ronas IT, we utilized it to build interfaces for the UK Retreats travel web app offering stays across the UK by subscription. Because the app had closed access, no arguments were preventing us from using React.js in that case.
Combination of both
Most frequently, Node.js and React are put together in the discussion of full-stack programming, implying they are used for backend and frontend development. How do they exactly operate in a combination?
Node.js and React for single-page web app development
The combination of these technologies is perfectly suitable for single-page applications. The reason is rapid loading. Server-side rendering with Node.js provides execution of the code without the use of a browser. Since asynchronous operations are held on the server, it takes one request to deliver the update.
Web apps with real-time data
By combining React with Node.js, you can get a free data exchange between client and server. Imagine working with your email opened in a tab. You get a notification on a new email as soon as it's sent without having to update your page. For services relying on real-time data streaming, the combination is a perfect one.
Robust web apps
The most efficient way to build a robust web app is to use a stack including Node.js and React.js which is abbreviated as MERN: MongoDB, Express and you name the last letters. The first is a NoSQL document-oriented database, the second is a Node.js framework simplifying APIs and helping in adding new features. By using them together, you can make robust web applications with a large amount of interactivity built into the frontend.
Reasons for full-stack web app development
We've listed the ways to apply the combination. However, let's give some other reasons why one should use React.js with Node.js rather than other technologies.
- Single programming language. You can hire a web developer who knows just JavaScript language instead of searching for more people to develop backend and frontend parts with different frameworks.
- Great performance. Node.js is a truly resilient web server. Once you decide to scale your app and have to deal with a lot of traffic, the runtime environment will save time spent on I/O and CPU problems.
- Library instead of a framework. Some may argue that using a framework gets you started quickly. But the difference lies in the approach, a library gives tools to build an interface the way you want it to be, whereas a framework makes a developer follow the assumptions of what is better. As they say, frameworks are opinionated.
Learn how to choose a proper tech stack for your app in this article.
Trends in React and Node.js development for 2024-2025
As we move from 2024 into 2025, the landscape of web application development will continue to evolve. React.js and Node.js remain pivotal in this transformation. React.js will maintain its status as a go-to library for building dynamic user interfaces, while Node.js will continue powering robust server-side applications. Let's explore the trends we can anticipate in React and Node.js development over the next year.
React js: What to expect
Enhanced component libraries and tools
The React js ecosystem continually grows, with more component libraries and development tools emerging. You can expect a surge in specialized libraries catering to various industries such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. These libraries will provide pre-built components that help developers create React applications faster, saving time and effort.
React server components
Server-side rendering (SSR) has always been a focus point to improve performance and SEO. React Server Components, introduced recently, will gain traction. They allow developers to render some components on the server and others on the client, optimizing the speed and user experience of your React app. This will make it easier to build high-performance single page applications (SPAs) by offloading part of the rendering from the client to the server.
Concurrent mode and automatic batching
Concurrency in React js is becoming a focal point, allowing applications to be more responsive by rendering components concurrently without blocking the main thread. Automatic batching, a part of Concurrent Mode, combines multiple state updates into a single re-render, enhancing the performance of React applications. There might be more refined tools for developers that help them build performant, responsive user interfaces easier.
TypeScript dominance
Using TypeScript with React js is already popular, and in 2024-2025, this trend will continue to grow. TypeScript provides static typing, which helps catch errors early during development, making React apps more robust and maintainable. Expect the React ecosystem to offer increased TypeScript support, making it easier for developers to build error-free web applications.
Node js: Emerging Trends
Deno and Node's influence
Deno, designed by Node.js creator Ryan Dahl, addresses some of Node.js's limitations. While Deno is not meant to replace Node.js, its influence is being felt. Features like built-in TypeScript support, better security, and a more modular approach will encourage Node.js to adopt similar enhancements. Nodejs developers will benefit from a more secure and simplified development process.
Edge computing
As edge computing becomes more mainstream, Node.js will play a pivotal role. Running JavaScript code closer to the user, i.e., on edge devices or servers, reduces latency and improves performance. Node.js's lightweight and efficient event-driven model makes it an excellent choice for edge computing applications. Developers will increasingly use Node.js for building real-time, low-latency web applications that leverage the advantages of edge servers.
Serverless architectures
Serverless computing continues to revolutionize how developers build and deploy web applications. Node.js will be at the forefront of this shift. Major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer serverless environments that support Node.js. This trend will grow, enabling developers to focus more on code and less on infrastructure management. Building and scaling Nodejs backend in a serverless architecture will become more streamlined and cost-effective.
Microservices and APIs
The move towards microservices architecture and API-driven development will gather pace. Node.js's simplicity and efficiency make it ideal for creating microservices. Developers will continue to build scalable, modular applications using Node.js, with a focus on creating APIs that other parts of the application or other services can consume. This trend will lead to more maintainable and scalable backend systems.
Real-time web applications
Real-time web applications will remain a strong use case for Node.js. With the rise of WebSockets and the need for real-time data exchange, Node.js will continue to be a favored choice. Web applications requiring real-time updates, such as chat applications, live streaming services, and collaborative tools, will leverage Node.js's non-blocking, event-driven architecture.
Questions left
We've provided you with a brief overview of React, Node, and their combination. The following is some additional info you might find useful.
What is the difference between the use of React.js and React Native?
Even though these two terms sound similar, they mean different things. As we've mentioned, React js is a library based on JavaScript allowing you to create web interfaces, whereas React Native is a framework for creating native mobile apps by using only a JavaScript codebase. They share the same logic and code. Therefore, React js can power React Native development.
Speaking of Node.js, what is the difference between an environment and a framework?
A runtime environment executes commands and doesn't guide you in the engineering process. It is designed to write, compile, and run the code. Whereas, a framework is a set of libraries that provides you with predictable outcomes. For example, Express is a framework that has a set of features you can run on a Node.js runtime environment to create scalable network applications.
What was the original purpose of introducing React?
Why did Facebook build another library when there were so many of them? At first, they used a client-side imperative model to manage the view, which led to cascading updates in case of any slight change in the code. One update caused another, and soon it became harder to handle the updates. Facebook realized it would be much easier to have templates to cope with changes. And that's how they came up with the declarative model of React rather than the imperative one.
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