React vs Node JS: What is the Difference?

Libraries and frameworks are one of the most commonly used tools for web developers.  They help to create websites, native applications and projects of other formats.  Both tools are useful, but learning their features will take a long time.

In this article, we will tell you what React and NodeJS are, what are their features and what is the difference between them.

What is React

There is a constant debate among programmers about what React is. Some say that it is a convenient framework, while others argue that it is a library.  In fact, it is useless to argue, because everything has been decided long ago.

React is a JavaScript library that is used to work with interfaces.  In 2011, they began to use it for the social network Facebook, and already in 2013, the library was made publicly available, and enthusiasts from all over the world began to create tools to expand its capabilities.

React native app development services use React to create interfaces that can change content without reloading the page.  This allows sites or native apps to quickly respond to user actions.  You can add items to your cart without reloading the page, or fill out forms without redirecting.

React is considered the most popular JS library in the world.  Its popularity is due to the fact that the component can be used to solve various problems.  Especially if you use additional tools that integrate into projects and open access to non-standard features.

It is important for beginners to understand what is the difference between a library and a framework.  To make it easy for them to see the differences, let’s simulate the situation using the example of buildings.  A framework is a frame of a house, which can be made by anyone inside.  In fact, it is a building material that gives complete freedom of action.

The library assumes a different approach to construction.  You have to start practically from scratch and the set of materials is limited, but no one bothers to go beyond and use other components.  There are differences, so developers need to choose the right tools for a specific task.

React is used for the user interface.  With its help, you can, for example, write a plugin for a content management system and it will work well on the frontend.

What is NodeJS

The popular but misconception is that node.js is a framework.  However, it is a Javascript-based runtime that supports the performance and execution of web applications in web browsers.  This technology allows node js developers to write commands using Javascript and execute server-side scripting (to provide real-time content to people who access the application through a browser).

While node.js is a runtime built to execute server-side scripting, a node.js-based framework is more like a set of tools that is integrated into an application to handle various functions.  Like any other web application technology, Node.js also offers UI frameworks that support various use cases in the application development cycle.  There are three types of Node.js frameworks – MVC, Full-Stack MVC, and REST API.

The main difference

You will be using react to build user interfaces.  And nodejs to create an API that will call your react app.

If we talk about the main differences, then they are as follows:

NodeJS will serve as your backend, while ReactJS will create an interface / UI where you can actually manage your server (nodeJS).  So first you will write your NodeJS server or API.

You don’t need to use ReactJS to create an interface that will interact with your node server as you said, you can also use NodeJS to create your views using another library.  ReactJS is just one of many options for the front end of your NodeJS application.