About Node.js
Node.js is a free, open source JavaScript runtime that runs code outside the browser. Developers use it to build servers, web apps, command line tools and scripts.
What it does
Node.js runs JavaScript on your machine or server using the V8 engine. It provides built-in modules for networking, file access, streams and worker threads, so you can build a web server with only the standard library. Most of the npm package ecosystem is built to run on it, and many frameworks and build tools depend on it.
Key features
- Built-in HTTP server module
- File system and stream APIs
- Worker threads for parallel work
- Access to the npm package registry
- LTS release line for production use
Who it's for
Web developers who want one language for both the front end and the back end, and teams running APIs, build scripts or internal tools. It is also the base for many popular frameworks.
Pricing and good to know
Node.js is free and open source, maintained by the OpenJS Foundation and its contributors. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Use an LTS release for production work, and check the release schedule for end-of-life dates before you upgrade.
Highlights
- Built-in HTTP module for writing servers without extra packages
- File system and stream APIs for reading and writing data
- Worker threads for running work in parallel
- Access to the npm package registry
- LTS release line for stable production use
