Node.js vs. PHP - which server-side technology is more efficient for real-time applications?

When comparing Node.js and PHP for real-time applications, Node.js is generally more efficient due to its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. Let’s break this down:

Node.js (Best for Real-Time Applications)

• Speed: Fast and efficient for real-time tasks.
• Concurrency: Handles many users at once with non-blocking, event-driven architecture.
• Use Cases: Chat apps, live updates, gaming servers.
• Best For: Scalable, high-performance, real-time systems.

PHP (Not Ideal for Real-Time)

• Speed: Slower for real-time due to synchronous execution.
• Concurrency: Each user creates a new process, which can get resource-heavy.
• Use Cases: Traditional websites, blogs, or content-heavy applications.
• Best For: Simpler projects or when real-time isn’t a priority.

Opinion 

• Use Node.js for real-time applications (e.g., chat apps, live notifications).
• Use PHP for traditional websites or when real-time features are minimal.

Node.js is more efficient for real-time applications due to its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, and native WebSocket support, making it ideal for chat apps, gaming, and live updates.

PHP, being synchronous and thread-based, is less suited for real-time features but works well for traditional web applications.

For real-time needs, Node.js is the better choice.

Personally, as a Node.js developer, I prefer Node because it's a fast way to write code. Especially when working on both frontend and backend, you can use JavaScript for both, which allows you to rely on a single skillset, making you more efficient at your work

Node.js is excellent for real-time applications. It has an event-driven model to handle many requests at once. This makes it ideal for chat apps, live updates or collaboration tools. Plus, it lets you use JavaScript on the client and server.

PHP is more for traditional web development. It’s stable and reliable for many tasks. But for real-time features, it needs extra libraries or tools.

Node.js is like a sprinter built for real-time speed, while PHP is more of a marathon runner )