The document compares React and Node.js as popular tools for web development, highlighting their distinct advantages and use cases. React is a JavaScript library focused on building user interfaces with features like a component-based architecture and a virtual DOM for performance, while Node.js serves as a server-side runtime that enables full-stack development with JavaScript and is well-suited for scalable applications. Ultimately, the choice between React, Node.js, or a combination of both depends on the specific project requirements and developer expertise.