An SMS API bridges the gap between carrier networks and the internet, which means your applications can only be as efficient as your API. Your choice of programming language will directly impact how your application functions.
While PHP has been a popular choice for server-side scripting, its ability to power fast user experiences has dampened since the shift toward dynamic web development. The popularity of Node.js, however, has only grown since its release in 2009.
If you're wondering whether to use PHP or Node.js as a framework for connecting text messaging capabilities to your business, consider the following:
Synchronous vs Asynchronous Code
PHP is a synchronous language. Each line of code must execute before the next line runs, which means complex functions can slow down the overall runtime of the application. Node.js is asynchronous, using the JavaScript engine to process code immediately. This ability for functions to execute simultaneously makes Node.js very fast. Importantly, Node.js offers an Asynch/Await feature that allows code containing chained functions to execute synchronously, when needed.
SQL vs NoSQL Databases
Depending on the nature of the data used by your business, you may need to utilize table-based SQL databases or NoSQL solutions with more dynamic structure options. PHP works well with SQL, but it can be more resource intensive to leverage NoSQL.
On the other hand, Node.js works very well with NoSQL databases such as CouchDB and MongoDB. This is good for businesses, because MySQL databases are much more prone to SQL injection attacks and cross-side scripting, compared with NoSQL solutions.
PHP vs JavaScript
One of the greatest advantages Node.js has over PHP is the ability to use JavaScript at all levels. If you use PHP on the server side, you'll still need to use JavaScript on other layers. Doing so adds complexity that can slow down runtimes, especially compared with the Node.js environment.
Likewise, the high popularity of JavaScript makes it easy to integrate the SMS API with other business applications. In fact, the platform runs almost instantly with very little configuration necessary.
Node.js vs Python vs Ruby on Rails
PHP and Node.js aren't the only options available for backend development. Python and Ruby on Rails are popular choices for teams that need to create solutions quickly. However, Node.js offers a number of advantages over these languages, such as its ability to handle many concurrent requests. Similarly, Node.js completes I/O operations outside of the thread, which prevents blocking and allows for efficient scalability.
Takeaway
While there will always be some room for debate, it's clear that Node.js is an ideal solution for a wide range of web development challenges, including SMS API integration. Thanks to its speed, single-language implementation and robust community support, among other features, Node.js is perfect for apps that require real-time functionality.
Now that you understand what makes Node.js an effective solution for all of your SMS API needs, learn more about our API plans today.
