The Difference Between React.js and Node.js

React.js and Node.js are both powerful tools in the JavaScript ecosystem, but they serve distinct purposes in web development. The difference here is that one works in the front end, while the other works in the back end of the application.

In this React Tutorial, we will learn about the differences between the two technologies Node js and React js in detail, you will be able to understand what is react.js and what is node.js, their features and examples. React.js is the #1 framework for modern web apps. Don’t stay stuck with outdated skills—Enroll now in our Free ReactJS Certification and level up!

First of all, let's try to understand both technologies individually before comparing them with one another.

What is React.js?

React.js is a front-end, open-source JavaScript library which is used for building user interfaces. It has a component-based architecture and with virtual DOM, it helps improve the application's performance and rendering.

Features of React.js

• React's component-based architecture increases the reusability of code and makes it more scalable.
• The React components have the ability to encapsulate UI elements and behavior.
• Props and state in React enable data flow within the application.
• The focus is more on what the UI should look like rather than how it should done. This declarative approach of React gives a simplified UI development process.
• Now it has React hooks which allow the functional components to use state and other React features without the need of writing classes.

Example for creating a React application

1. Create React App:
In Node.js Command Prompt, run the following command.

npx create-react-app my-react-app
cd my-react-app

2. Start Development Server:

npm start

Running this command will take you to your default browser where your React application will be displayed. It runs on 'http://localhost:3000' by default.
3. Create a Simple Component:
Now open your code editor. In src/App.js, replace the content with the below code and save.

import React from 'react';

function App() {
  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Hello, Learners!</h1>
      <p>Welcome to my React.js application.</p>
    </div>
  );
}

export default App;

4. View the Application:
Go to your React Application page on the browser and refresh it. The changes you have made will be displayed.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a cross-platform runtime environment used for running JavaScript code on the server side. It is better than traditional server-side technologies, like PHP or Java, in many ways. It offers reusability in code, improves productivity in developers and overall performance.

Features of Node.js

• Node.js works on an event-driven architecture where methods like callbacks or promises are used to perform I/O operations asynchronously.
• Node Package Manager or npm, the largest ecosystem of open-source libraries and tools for JavaScript development, makes installing, managing, and sharing packages easier.
• Its core modules and APIs help in performing common tasks like reading files, making HTTP requests, and creating servers.
• Using frameworks like Express.js and Koa.js help in building web servers.
• Node.js supports various databases that can include relational databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Redis.

Example for creating a Node.js Application

1. Initialize Node.js Project:
Open the Node.js command prompt and run the following command.

mkdir my-node-app
cd my-node-app
npm init -y

2. Create a Server File:
Now, in the code editor, create a server file in 'my-node-app' and type the below code, then save.

const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
  res.end('Hello, Node.js!\n');
});

const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;
server.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server running on port ${PORT}`);
});

3. Start the Server:
This will start the server.

node server.js

4. View the Application:
Go to the web browser and navigate to 'http://localhost:3000'. You will see your Node.js application running.

Difference between React.js and Node.js

Now that we have explored both technologies individually, let's compare them over various aspects:

Summary

ReactJS and Node.js serve different but complementary roles in web development: ReactJS is a frontend library used for building fast, dynamic, and interactive user interfaces. Node.js is a backend runtime environment used to build scalable and efficient server-side applications and APIs. Together, they form a powerful stack for full-stack development (e.g., MERN Stack). We also tried to compare both technologies so you understand the differences between the two.

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