Node JS vs Flask | A 2023 Guide
Flask and Node JS are popular technologies for building full-stack web applications. They are also popularly used for building backends for mobile, desktops, and other applications.
If you are already familiar with the Python programming language, you should learn Flask over Node JS.
On the other hand, if you are already using Javascript, you should learn Node JS over Flask.
Node.js is a back-end JavaScript runtime environment that runs on the V8 JavaScript Engine. Node JS executes JavaScript code outside a web browser. It is designed to build scalable network applications.
Flask on the other hand is an extensible micro web framework written in Python. Flask supports extensions that can add application features as if they were implemented in Flask itself.
Choosing which web framework to learn can be tricky, there are many factors to consider when learning a new technology or backend framework.
Popularity, opportunities, types of projects, salaries, resources, learning curve, etc. are some of the factors that many people consider when choosing to learn a new technology or a framework.
Here are some of the considerations you should make when choosing to learn a new backend framework.
POPULARITY AND OPPORTUNITIES
If you want to learn a technology or framework solely for its popularity among developers, you should learn Node JS.
Generally, Node JS is more popular than Flask. According to a Stack Overflow survey of 2022, Node Js is the most commonly used Web framework by both professionals and those learning to code. It is used by 47.12% of developers.
On the other hand, Flask is the 6th most commonly used backend web framework, it is used by 14.64% of developers according to the same survey.
It is also worth noting that Node JS is more loved by many developers than Flask.
As of 2022, Node JS is loved by 67.36% of developers versus 32.64% of developers who dreaded it. On the other hand, Flask is loved by 48.41% of developers versus 51.59% of developers who dreaded it.
Ultimately, if your choice of which web framework to learn depends on popularity, you should learn Node JS.
Plus, there are more opportunities for Node JS Developers than for Flask developers because Node JS is used by many companies than Flask.
However, because Node JS is very popular and commonly used by many companies, there is going to be more competition for Node JS opportunities than for Flask opportunities.
In this regard, a Flask developer may get a job easily because of less competition.
SALARIES
Another popular criterion that many people use as an incentive to learn a new web framework is salary. Salaries for developers differ from one company to the other and from one country to the other.
Experience is another factor that comes into play as far as salaries are concerned. The more experience you have with a certain technology or web framework, the more likely you are of getting a higher salary.
Generally, Flask developers get higher salaries than Node JS developers. ZipRecruiter reported that in the United States, Flask developers get an average of $134,705 per year.
On the other hand, Node JS developers get an average salary of $116,179, about $18,000 lower than Flask developers.
Similarly, a Stack Overflow survey reported that Flask developers get an average salary of $67,105 per year while Node JS developers get an average of $65,000 per year.
So, if the salary is your major incentive for learning a language or web framework, you should learn Flask over Node JS, because you are more likely to get a higher salary as a Flask developer than as a Node JS developer.
BEGINNER FRIENDLINESS
Some web frameworks can be learned more easily than others. If you want a web framework that is beginner-friendly and very easy to work with, you should learn Flask.
Flask is easy to learn and use even for complete beginners, its syntax is easy to read and write. It is worth noting that Flask is a micro web framework and it does not come with a lot of features. You will need third-party libraries to extend its functionality.
If you are already familiar with Python, you will find Flask very easy to work with.
Contrastingly, Node JS can be difficult to work with, especially for complete beginners. However, if you are already familiar with Javascript, you can easily pick up Node JS in no time.
The good news is that there are many helpful resources for both Flask and Node JS to help you learn the frameworks.
The Node JS (Javascript) and Flask (Python) communities are very big, active, and helpful, in case you get stuck with something.
APPLICATIONS AND FEATURES
Flask is classified as a microframework because it does not require particular tools or libraries.
Flask has no database abstraction layer, form validation, or any other components where pre-existing third-party libraries provide common functions.
You will need Flask extensions to extend the functionality of your application.
Flask is used by many companies such as Pinterest, LinkedIn, CRED, Netflix, Reddit, Lyft, Trivago, Airbnb, MIT, Mozilla, Uber, and many others.
On the other hand, Node JS is used to execute Javascript outside the Browser, it is a very popular choice for scalable network applications.
Node.js has an event-driven architecture capable of asynchronous I/O. This makes it a popular choice for real-time web applications.
Node JS is commonly used in the Javascript stack such as the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node) and MEAN (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node) Stack.
Nodejs is used by a lot of websites and mobile applications such as LinkedIn, PayPal, GoDaddy, Walmart, Rakuten, Mozilla, Uber, Microsoft, Netflix, SAP, Twitter, Groupon, Medium, IBM, eBay, Trello, Amazon Web Services, and many others.
CONCLUSION
Once you have evaluated all the factors, you can choose which web framework to learn depending on the factors that are on your side and what you want to build.
If you want a popular web framework that can help you to build real-time web applications, you should learn Node JS over Flask.
If you want a web framework that is beginner-friendly and can potentially fetch you a higher salary, you should learn Flask over Node JS.
