SAP CAP Java vs Node.js

[D_buj]

Hi everyone,

Currently, I am expanding my skillset to prepare for the transition to the cloud. For this purpose I'm learning CAP. I am wondering if I should put my focus on the Java SDK or on the Node.js SDK. I have found similar questions where the answer usually is that it depends on your current skillset. What if I don't have experience with either Java or Node.js and try to figure out which one I should learn? Any opinions?

Currently I am leaning towards Node.js, since I think JavaScript knowledge can also be useful for building frontend. However, I am hoping for some more opinions.

Regards, Daan

[gregorw]

+1 for Node.js for exactly the reason that you use JavaScript also on the Frontend.

[VoJu]

Hi gregorw,

is there a recommendation from SAP when to use Node.js or when to use Java? Or is there an overview which functionalities are supportet by Node.js and not by Java, and vice versa?

Thanks and best regards,

Julian

[vode]

Maybe this could help https://cap.cloud.sap/docs/about/features

[tobias_steckenborn]

It's likely that most people here lean toward JavaScript / Node.js in a similar vein as you. Based on votes in one of the SAP community calls, it seems that Node.js is ahead (in the active community) by a significant margin. If I remember correctly you should find the pie chart crawling through Gregor's endless twitter feed ;). Nevertheless, Java's support suggests that some larger stakeholders rely on it as well

If you're looking for a solution to most of your problems, you'll probably find one in the JavaScript ecosystem. You might consider Java if type safety is a strong concern. TypeScript is currently (in my view) a bit cumbersome with CAP. However, there have been some community initiatives to resolve some of those issues.

Ultimately it's a choice of preference and as usual you'll find different people leaning into different directions based on their requirements.