When it comes to my knowledge of PHP and Node.js, I admit that I only have a superficial understanding of PHP, while I know JS well. However, if I want to delve into server technologies, it seems necessary to start with Node.js. Is it worth using Node.js for simple sites right from the beginning, especially if the cost is around $1000 and the requirements are appropriate?

On the advantages of using Node.js:

- Virtual hosting is readily available, so there shouldn't be any significant problems in that regard.

- As of now, the applications I develop don't face high loads. However, if this changes, I may have to switch to Node.js or a similar technology at some point.

- I've already learned about the concept of asynchrony a long time ago.

- It's likely that there won't be as many asynchronous tasks in the server part compared to the frontend, hence there won't be a need for excessive use of callbacks.

On the flip side:

- I dislike dealing with callback "noodles." It's difficult for me to imagine writing anything substantial in JS without relying on frameworks that provide some level of synchronous behavior. At worst, I would consider using jQuery. If Node.js is closely tied to native JS, it might present more challenges. Alternatively, I would have to search for a suitable framework.

- I appreciate PHP for its array manipulation, string handling, database interactions, image processing capabilities, and more. If Node.js lacks similar functionality at the level of ES4, and there is no library available to compress images on the server, it could be quite disappointing.

- Is the reality as intiмidating as they say? While the necessity of asynchrony is clear for client-side programming, I wonder about its significance on the server-side. Apart from database operations and communication with other servers (if such scenarios arise), maybe there are alternative ways to optimize server performance without relying heavily on asynchrony? Perhaps PHP will introduce some innovative solutions in the near future?

For simple projects, I would advise against using Node.js.
However, it is indeed suitable for high-load applications and tasks that require real-time capabilities.

When it comes to simple Joomla-level sites, the availability of modules may be limited, just as with hosting options.

Nonetheless, in my opinion, Node.js represents the future.

I would suggest utilizing a combination of both PHP and Node.js.
One approach is to have NGINX as a front-end, which can handle requests for both PHP and Node.js while efficiently serving static content. This setup minimizes server load, especially if a significant portion (at least 10%) of your content is static.

In the long run, it's beneficial to choose the technology that best suits the specific task at hand. Personally, I have NGINX configured to forward requests to Erlang, Node.js, and PHP, allowing flexibility based on the requirements of each project.

What about hosting simple sites on Node.js? Is it a viable option?

Regardless, PHP remains the better choice, in my opinion. There is a wealth of existing resources available for quickly developing a simple website within hours.

While there may be discussions around Ruby, Github, and Twitter, one should also consider the success of Facebook, Vkontakte, and Google, all of which utilize PHP or Python. It's important to note that these technologies are not used in their pure form on these platforms. They incorporate custom caching mechanisms, optimized libraries, server pools, and a multitude of load balancers to ensure optimal performance.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of a solution depends on skillful implementation and leveraging the appropriate technologies, with the programming language or framework being of secondary importance. Each tool excels in its own domain.

It would be unwise to assume that business card websites or local online stores will instantly become highly trafficked and crash servers simply because a different language was chosen. Such assumptions are baseless. What matters more is the ease of maintenance and the ability to find qualified individuals who can efficiently resolve any issues, without the need to spend months searching for a node.js expert to fix a minor bug.

Node.js is not limited to building server-side applications and APIs. It can also be used to create simple websites by serving static web pages and handling basic web server functionality. Here's a high-level overview of how you can utilize Node.js for this purpose:

1. Project setup: Create a new directory for your project and initialize it using npm init to generate a package.json file.

2. Dependency installation: Install Express.js, a widely-used Node.js framework for web application development, by running npm install express.

3. Server file creation: Create a file, such as server.js, where you will define your web server using Express.js.

4. Importing dependencies: In server.js, import Express.js at the beginning of the file with the following line:
```javascript
const express = require('express');
```

5. App instance creation: Instantiate the Express app:
```javascript
const app = express();
```

6. Route definition: Set up routes for your website. For example, you can create a route that serves the homepage:
```javascript
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('Hello, world!');
});
```

7. Server startup: Add the following code at the end of server.js to start the server on a specific port (e.g., 3000):
```javascript
const port = 3000;
app.listen(port, () => {
  console.log(`Server listening on port ${port}`);
});
```

8. Running the server: Open your terminal, navigate to the project directory, and execute node server.js to start the server.

9. Accessing the website: Launch a web browser and visit http://localhost:3000 (or the specified port) to see your website in action.

The above steps provide a fundamental structure for building a simple website using Node.js and Express.js. You can enhance this foundation by incorporating additional routes, serving static files (HTML, CSS, JS), connecting to databases, and implementing more complex functionalities based on your specific requirements.

It's important to note that Node.js is well-suited for handling asynchronous tasks, making it a great choice for server-side operations that involve non-blocking I/O. If your websites are expected to scale or if you anticipate the need for real-time functionality, Node.js offers a solid foundation.

On the matter of virtual hosting, Node.js is indeed well-supported by various hosting providers, so you should encounter minimal obstacles in that regard. Additionally, the lightweight nature of Node.js can be beneficial for simple sites as it allows for efficient resource utilization.

You mentioned your concern about dealing with callback "noodles" and the reliance on frameworks for synchronous behavior. It's true that Node.js inherently operates in an asynchronous manner, and while this can lead to nested callbacks, there are techniques such as Promises, async/await, and the use of libraries like async.js that can help manage complexity and enhance readability.

In terms of functionality, Node.js does have robust libraries for array manipulation, string handling, and database interactions. Although it may not offer the exact same features as PHP at the level of ES4, there are third-party libraries available that can fill these gaps, such as "sharp" for image processing. However, it's essential to carefully evaluate if any specific requirements unique to your projects may pose limitations with Node.js.

Regarding performance optimization, while asynchrony is crucial for handling concurrent operations, there are alternative approaches to enhance server performance without solely relying on asynchrony. PHP indeed continues to evolve, and it's plausible that future innovations may introduce new solutions for server-side tasks.
The decision to use Node.js for your simple sites should factor in your familiarity with JavaScript, the potential for future scalability, and the specific technical requirements of your projects. Considering the availability of libraries, community support, and the growing adoption of Node.js, it could be a worthwhile investment, especially if you foresee the need for real-time features or expect your projects to evolve in complexity over time.

If you're already hesitant about JavaScript's asynchronous nature, why would you voluntarily dive into Node.js? It's like jumping into the deep end without knowing how to swim. PHP is a well-established language that excels in the areas you appreciate, like string manipulation and database interactions.

Node.js may promise scalability, but if you can't wrap your head around its callback structure, you'll just create a mess of spaghetti code. Instead of chasing the latest trends, focus on mastering PHP, which is more than capable of handling your current needs. You might find that the grass isn't greener on the other side; it's just a different shade of confusion.