The choice of backend framework is one of the major decisions when it comes to the creation of web applications. Web frameworks are important components that simplify the development process. They have several integrated features that are popular in web development. 

Actually, frameworks significantly shorten the development period, which results in an earlier production phase. As a result, choosing a framework has a direct bearing on how well your project turns out, therefore you should proceed cautiously.

NodeJS and Laravel are two of the most popular backend frameworks today. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the most demanding?

What are NodeJS and Laravel?

NodeJS

The NodeJS platform is easy to build fast scalable network applications using Chrome's JavaScript runtime. 

For handling large data sets, NodeJS-based distributed applications are ideal. If you are working with a web application that has a huge database, you can hire adept developers for your project.

Nodejs is a JavaScript programming language that runs on the server and makes interactive and dynamic web pages. 

Nodejs development makes it suitable for developing I/O intensive web applications, single-page web applications, and other real-time web applications like chat apps and video streaming applications.

The Node.js files have .js file extensions and contain pure JavaScript code. GoDaddy, IBM, LinkedIn, Netflix, and PayPal are some of the most famous Nodejs users

Node.js use cases 

• Web applications for video streaming
• Real-time applications (chats, video games)
• Advanced SPAs
• IoT web applications
• Server software
• Back-end APIs

Laravel

It is a free, open-source framework for building PHP web applications. This simplifies and speeds up the development process of web applications.

Laravel is a web application framework with a focus on simplicity and elegance. It is a very popular choice for web development projects of all sizes. 

Based on Symfony, the framework inherits all the benefits that come with that framework. In addition to its speed, flexibility, security, and scalability, Laravel is also known for its security. 

Laravel is built on the foundations of PHP and provides a wealth of features and functions that make web development more accessible than ever. 

It has comprehensive documentation and a huge community of users and developers who are always happy to help.

Laravel use cases: 

• SaaS web applications
• Streaming web applications online
• Web applications for educational technology
• Web-based stock trading applications
• CMS programmers that accommodate several languages
• Performance tracking web applications

Comparison of NodeJS and Laravel

When it comes to web development frameworks, NodeJS and Laravel are two of the most popular options. They both have their pros and cons, but which one is the best for your project? 

NodeJS is a JavaScript-based framework that uses a single-threaded model and asynchronous I/O. This makes it ideal for real-time applications that require a lot of data processing. 

NodeJS also has a large community of developers who are constantly developing new modules and libraries for it.

Laravel is a PHP-based framework that uses the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern. It is a more traditional framework that is well-suited for larger projects. Laravel also has a large community of developers and a ton of resources available for it.

So, which framework is the best for your project? It depends on your needs. NodeJS is better for real-time applications while Laravel is better for larger projects.

Here are some more comparisons between them:

1.   Template

This framework has quality templates that are designed to create a basic layout with specific sections for whatever purpose. 

There are no built-in templates for Node JS, but there is a possibility to integrate third-party tools to solve the issue. 

2.   Performance and Speed

In general, when comparing Laravel vs Node.js performance, the former is slower than the latter, but Laravel's speed can be enhanced with optimization when it is done right. 

Due to asynchronous communication, Node.js is a perfect choice for micro-operations and small tasks. Moreover, the V8 engine allows it to multitask effortlessly. Such companies as PayPal and LinkedIn purposely migrated to Node.js in order to improve performance and speed.

3.   Application Architecture

The Model-View-Controller architecture allows separating the work on the front end and back end. This provides the development team with more flexibility. Besides, it is SEO-friendly as well as it provides effortless API integration. 

The Single-Threaded Event Loop model is a way to effortlessly handle multiple simultaneous requests without sacrificing performance. Apart from that, Node.js also enables MVC/MVP architecture.

4.   Scalability 

Horizontal scaling is possible with an appropriate database and load balancer in Laravel. The framework is good for scalability since PHP is scaling friendly. 

Applications made with Node.js are highly scalable owing to the Single-Threaded Event Loop. It allows handling multiple requests simultaneously and dividing the development process into small chunks so that more teams of developers can work on it. 

5.   Testing 

PHP provides a lot of testing tools for Laravel. Besides, there is a possibility to conduct tests on two levels, Unit tests and Feature tests. Another peculiarity is mock tests that imitate different events. 

Node.js provides testing with the help of third-party tools, such as Mocha, Jest, Lab, and Code for automated tests, and Jasmine together with AVA for the ecosystem.

6.   Microservice 

Laravel supports microservices since PHP also does so. In fact, to improve the work with them, it is possible to use Lumen, a framework that is a minimalistic version of Laravel. It is especially good for this purpose. 

Node.js is a perfect choice for this purpose because it specializes in handling multiple simultaneous requests. You need to hire Node JS developer for the same.

7.   Database

Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, and SQL are the types of databases supported by Laravel. Besides, it is relatively easy to connect multiple databases with Laravel.

The fact is that Node.js supports different sorts of databases, but NoSQL databases work the best way with it. It is due to the fact that they use JSON, which is better for the JavaScript backend.

8.   Industries

Laravel is used in the industries associated with education, business, shopping, etc.

Node.js is a choice for the automotive industry, arts, telecom, and entertainment.

Summary

To sum up, each framework is distinct and has advantages over the other. The only aspect that matters is the kind of services that must be created. Depending on the complexity of your product, choose the framework that works best.