Converting to Node.js - How Much Effort Is It?

Wappler General
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So if I want to make the move from PHP to node…

Do I basically start a new project and just re-build all my server actions?

If I then paste in all my html code will everything magically work?

Are there concepts in PHP that don’t translate like session variables?

Do APIs work well?

Can I easily call one server action from another as we can do in PHP using an API call?

Does the syntax of maths based calculations change?

Are there features available in PHP that are still missing in the node implementation or are buggy?

If it is like 2 days of slogging away to recreate the server actions, I may do it.

But if I’m going to enter weeks of hassle then I don’t have the time.

Or maybe I do it in a month’s time if things still need to stabilise?

I’d be interested to hear the community’s experience now many of you have used it!

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Hello Antony,
If you already built your app using PHP, there is no magical way to just “convert” it. I will take effort and it will surely not be done in a couple of weeks.
Many things may go wrong, i don’t think it’s worth the time lost in such a conversion.

The presence NodeJS in Wappler does not make PHP useless or outdated and it is fine to use it for web apps/sites :slight_smile:

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Thanks for the update Teodor!

I know I will have a great site with PHP, but I’d like to have the ability to hook into node’s strengths in the future…

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Antony, If it’s any consolation I’m facing the same predicament. I’ve decided to carry on my large app in PHP for now and get something launched.

If it gains enough traction then I will convert it to NodeJS (i.e re-write it in Node) at a later date. If it doesn’t, then I haven’t lost the time trying to remake it.

I am also waiting until version 3 is launched officially before using it for my production apps or websites. The Beta’s are great for playing around with but I will wait for all the Wappler goodies to be launched.

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That's correct. We don't recommend using the beta functions on production as there may be bugs as well as changes in the code based on the feedback we receive in the forum.

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The elephant is bigger than you imagined! :joy:

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Hi Teodor,

The development of NodeJS functionality into Wappler sounds very interesting.

I am currently working on a new project and would like to know approximately when would the official launch of version 3 be? will it be in the next month or so?

Also will there be any major features that are available in PHP, missing from the node implementation

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Hi Anthony

The approach I am using is building the html templates which can be used for either PHP or nodejs. I am not sure how far down the road you are, but this might be a good way to prepare for the node version.

I am waiting for node because of the real-time advantages and the superior user experience this provides.

I suspect by the time I have finished with all the templates then it will be ready :smiley:

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I’m much further down the road @StevenM… I have a gazillion templates I already made before I knew node was coming!

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@Antony Stick with it, you could always start to include functionality in node using a connected app, such as chat or real-time reporting etc… PHP isn’t going anywhere. If node does pan out you can always start to build your next version in node, or better still, because the business becomes such a success hire a wappler employee to do this for you.

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