stackstash

Node.js vs PHP

Node.js and PHP are free.

Node.js logo: JavaScript runtime for the server. Run apps, CLIs, and build tools outside the browser.
Node.js logo: JavaScript runtime for the server. Run apps, CLIs, and build tools outside the browser.

Node.js

Free

JavaScript runtime for the server. Run apps, CLIs, and build tools outside the browser.

Try it

Pros of Node.js

  • Same language as front-end JavaScript

  • Huge package ecosystem via npm

  • Fits APIs, scripts, and full-stack frameworks

Cons of Node.js

  • CPU-heavy work needs care or workers

  • Version and native-module friction across machines

  • Not a fit if you want a different server language

PHP logo: The language behind WordPress and a huge share of the web.
PHP logo: The language behind WordPress and a huge share of the web.

PHP

Free

The language behind WordPress and a huge share of the web.

Try it

Pros of PHP

  • Cheap hosting is everywhere

  • Huge library of existing apps

  • Simple to get a page online

Cons of PHP

  • Older codebases can be messy

  • Less common in new startup stacks