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Node.js JavaScript runtime ✨🐢🚀✨

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Quick Overview

The Node.js project is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to run JavaScript code outside of a web browser. It is designed to build scalable network applications and is widely used for server-side scripting, web development, and building desktop applications.

Pros

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Node.js runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for developers.
  • Asynchronous and Event-Driven: Node.js uses an asynchronous, event-driven model, which allows it to handle a large number of concurrent connections efficiently.
  • Extensive Ecosystem: The Node.js ecosystem is vast, with a large and active community that provides a wide range of libraries and tools, known as "npm" (Node Package Manager).
  • Performance: Node.js is known for its high performance, especially in I/O-bound applications, due to its non-blocking I/O model.

Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve: Developers new to Node.js may find the asynchronous and event-driven nature of the runtime challenging to grasp, especially when dealing with complex applications.
  • Callback Hell: The extensive use of callbacks in Node.js can lead to the "callback hell" problem, where the code becomes difficult to read and maintain.
  • Single-Threaded: Node.js is single-threaded, which means that it can only utilize a single CPU core at a time. This can be a limitation for CPU-bound applications.
  • Limited Scalability: While Node.js is highly scalable for I/O-bound applications, it may not be the best choice for highly CPU-bound tasks, as it cannot take advantage of multiple CPU cores.

Code Examples

Here are a few short code examples demonstrating the use of Node.js:

  1. Creating a Simple HTTP Server:
const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.statusCode = 200;
  res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
  res.end('Hello, World!\n');
});

const port = 3000;
server.listen(port, () => {
  console.log(`Server running at http://localhost:${port}/`);
});

This code creates a simple HTTP server that listens on port 3000 and responds with "Hello, World!" when a client connects.

  1. Asynchronous File I/O:
const fs = require('fs');

fs.readFile('example.txt', 'utf8', (err, data) => {
  if (err) {
    console.error(err);
    return;
  }
  console.log(data);
});

console.log('This will be printed before the file contents.');

This code demonstrates the asynchronous nature of Node.js by reading the contents of a file and logging it to the console. The console.log('This will be printed before the file contents.') line will be executed before the file contents are logged.

  1. Handling HTTP Requests with Express.js:
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const port = 3000;

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('Hello, World!');
});

app.post('/api/data', (req, res) => {
  // Handle POST request to /api/data
  res.json({ message: 'Data received' });
});

app.listen(port, () => {
  console.log(`Server is running on port ${port}`);
});

This code uses the popular Express.js framework to create a simple web server that handles GET and POST requests. The server responds with "Hello, World!" for the root URL (/) and returns a JSON response for a POST request to /api/data.

Getting Started

To get started with Node.js, follow these steps:

  1. Install Node.js: Visit the official Node.js website (https://nodejs.org) and download the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) version for your operating system.
  2. Verify the Installation: Open a terminal or command prompt and run the following commands to verify the installation: 
    node --version
npm --version

Competitor Comparisons

denoland logo

deno

95,926

A modern runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript.

Pros of Deno

  • Built-in TypeScript support without additional configuration
  • Enhanced security with permissions system for file, network, and environment access
  • Simplified module system using URLs for imports

Cons of Deno

  • Smaller ecosystem and fewer available packages compared to Node.js
  • Limited compatibility with existing Node.js projects and modules
  • Steeper learning curve for developers already familiar with Node.js

Code Comparison

Node.js:

const http = require('http');
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
  res.end('Hello World\n');
});
server.listen(8000);

Deno:

import { serve } from "https://deno.land/std@0.140.0/http/server.ts";

const handler = (req: Request): Response => {
  return new Response("Hello World\n", { status: 200 });
};
serve(handler, { port: 8000 });

The code examples demonstrate the differences in module importing and server creation between Node.js and Deno. Deno uses URL-based imports and leverages modern JavaScript features, while Node.js relies on the CommonJS module system and callback-based APIs.

nodejs logo

node

107,229

Node.js JavaScript runtime ✨🐢🚀✨

Pros of node

  • Identical repository, so all pros apply equally
  • No distinguishable differences in features or functionality
  • Same active development and community support

Cons of node

  • No unique cons compared to the other repository
  • Identical issues and limitations as the other project
  • Same potential for bugs or vulnerabilities

Code Comparison

Both repositories contain identical code, so a comparison is not applicable. Here's a sample from the main Node.js codebase:

const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
  res.end('Hello World\n');
});

server.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Server running at http://localhost:3000/');
});

This code would be the same in both repositories, as they are identical projects.

Summary

The comparison between node and node reveals that they are the same repository. There are no distinguishable differences in terms of pros, cons, or code. Both represent the official Node.js project, maintained by the Node.js Foundation. Any features, issues, or development progress would be identical across both references to the repository.

libuv logo

libuv

24,093

Cross-platform asynchronous I/O

Pros of libuv

  • Lightweight and focused on asynchronous I/O operations
  • Can be used independently in various projects beyond Node.js
  • Provides a consistent API across different operating systems

Cons of libuv

  • Steeper learning curve for developers not familiar with low-level programming
  • Limited to C programming language, which may not be suitable for all projects
  • Requires manual memory management, increasing the risk of memory leaks

Code Comparison

libuv:

uv_loop_t *loop = malloc(sizeof(uv_loop_t));
uv_loop_init(loop);
uv_run(loop, UV_RUN_DEFAULT);
uv_loop_close(loop);
free(loop);

node:

const http = require('http');
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
  res.end('Hello World\n');
});
server.listen(8080);

The libuv code demonstrates low-level event loop initialization and execution, while the node code showcases a higher-level HTTP server implementation built on top of libuv's functionality.

v8 logo

v8

23,314

The official mirror of the V8 Git repository

Pros of v8

  • More focused scope, specifically on JavaScript engine development
  • Deeper low-level optimizations and performance improvements
  • Closer to the metal, allowing for more direct hardware optimizations

Cons of v8

  • Steeper learning curve for contributors
  • Smaller community and ecosystem compared to Node.js
  • Limited high-level functionality out of the box

Code Comparison

v8:

Local<Context> context = Context::New(isolate);
Context::Scope context_scope(context);
Local<String> source = String::NewFromUtf8(isolate, "'Hello' + ', World!'");
Local<Script> script = Script::Compile(context, source).ToLocalChecked();
Local<Value> result = script->Run(context).ToLocalChecked();

Node.js:

const vm = require('vm');
const context = vm.createContext({});
const script = new vm.Script("'Hello' + ', World!'");
const result = script.runInContext(context);

Both examples demonstrate running JavaScript code in an isolated context, but v8 requires more low-level setup and C++ knowledge, while Node.js provides a higher-level abstraction for similar functionality.

microsoft logo

TypeScript

100,112

TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript that compiles to clean JavaScript output.

Pros of TypeScript

  • Strong typing system enhances code reliability and maintainability
  • Better tooling support with advanced IDE features like autocomplete and refactoring
  • Supports latest ECMAScript features and compiles to various JavaScript versions

Cons of TypeScript

  • Additional compilation step required, which can slow down development workflow
  • Learning curve for developers new to static typing in JavaScript
  • Potential for over-engineering with complex type definitions

Code Comparison

TypeScript:

interface User {
  name: string;
  age: number;
}

function greet(user: User): string {
  return `Hello, ${user.name}!`;
}

Node.js:

function greet(user) {
  return `Hello, ${user.name}!`;
}

The TypeScript example demonstrates static typing, which can catch errors at compile-time and provide better code documentation. The Node.js example is more concise but lacks type information, potentially leading to runtime errors if incorrect data is passed.

TypeScript builds upon JavaScript, adding features that enhance large-scale application development. Node.js, on the other hand, focuses on server-side JavaScript execution and provides a rich ecosystem for building scalable network applications. While they serve different purposes, TypeScript can be used in Node.js projects to combine the benefits of both technologies.

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README

Node.js

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment.

For information on using Node.js, see the Node.js website.

The Node.js project uses an open governance model. The OpenJS Foundation provides support for the project.

Contributors are expected to act in a collaborative manner to move the project forward. We encourage the constructive exchange of contrary opinions and compromise. The TSC reserves the right to limit or block contributors who repeatedly act in ways that discourage, exhaust, or otherwise negatively affect other participants.

This project has a Code of Conduct.

Table of contents

Support

Looking for help? Check out the instructions for getting support.

Release types

  • Current: Under active development. Code for the Current release is in the branch for its major version number (for example, v22.x). Node.js releases a new major version every 6 months, allowing for breaking changes. This happens in April and October every year. Releases appearing each October have a support life of 8 months. Releases appearing each April convert to LTS (see below) each October.
  • LTS: Releases that receive Long Term Support, with a focus on stability and security. Every even-numbered major version will become an LTS release. LTS releases receive 12 months of Active LTS support and a further 18 months of Maintenance. LTS release lines have alphabetically-ordered code names, beginning with v4 Argon. There are no breaking changes or feature additions, except in some special circumstances.
  • Nightly: Code from the Current branch built every 24-hours when there are changes. Use with caution.

Current and LTS releases follow semantic versioning. A member of the Release Team signs each Current and LTS release. For more information, see the Release README.

Download

Binaries, installers, and source tarballs are available at https://nodejs.org/en/download/.

Current and LTS releases

https://nodejs.org/download/release/

The latest directory is an alias for the latest Current release. The latest-codename directory is an alias for the latest release from an LTS line. For example, the latest-hydrogen directory contains the latest Hydrogen (Node.js 18) release.

Nightly releases

https://nodejs.org/download/nightly/

Each directory and filename includes the version (e.g., v22.0.0), followed by the UTC date (e.g., 20240424 for April 24, 2024), and the short commit SHA of the HEAD of the release (e.g., ddd0a9e494). For instance, a full directory name might look like v22.0.0-nightly20240424ddd0a9e494.

API documentation

Documentation for the latest Current release is at https://nodejs.org/api/. Version-specific documentation is available in each release directory in the docs subdirectory. Version-specific documentation is also at https://nodejs.org/download/docs/.

Verifying binaries

Download directories contain a SHASUMS256.txt file with SHA checksums for the files.

To download SHASUMS256.txt using curl:

curl -O https://nodejs.org/dist/vx.y.z/SHASUMS256.txt

To check that a downloaded file matches the checksum, run it through sha256sum with a command such as:

grep node-vx.y.z.tar.gz SHASUMS256.txt | sha256sum -c -

For Current and LTS, the GPG detached signature of SHASUMS256.txt is in SHASUMS256.txt.sig. You can use it with gpg to verify the integrity of SHASUMS256.txt. You will first need to import the GPG keys of individuals authorized to create releases.

See Release keys for commands to import active release keys.

Next, download the SHASUMS256.txt.sig for the release:

curl -O https://nodejs.org/dist/vx.y.z/SHASUMS256.txt.sig

Then use gpg --verify SHASUMS256.txt.sig SHASUMS256.txt to verify the file's signature.

Building Node.js

See BUILDING.md for instructions on how to build Node.js from source and a list of supported platforms.

Security

For information on reporting security vulnerabilities in Node.js, see SECURITY.md.

Contributing to Node.js

Current project team members

For information about the governance of the Node.js project, see GOVERNANCE.md.

TSC (Technical Steering Committee)

TSC voting members

TSC regular members

TSC emeriti members

TSC emeriti members

Collaborators

Emeriti

Collaborator emeriti

Collaborators follow the Collaborator Guide in maintaining the Node.js project.

Triagers

Triagers follow the Triage Guide when responding to new issues.

Release keys

Primary GPG keys for Node.js Releasers (some Releasers sign with subkeys):

To import the full set of trusted release keys (including subkeys possibly used to sign releases):

gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys C0D6248439F1D5604AAFFB4021D900FFDB233756 # Antoine du Hamel
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 4ED778F539E3634C779C87C6D7062848A1AB005C # Beth Griggs
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 141F07595B7B3FFE74309A937405533BE57C7D57 # Bryan English
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 74F12602B6F1C4E913FAA37AD3A89613643B6201 # Danielle Adams
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys DD792F5973C6DE52C432CBDAC77ABFA00DDBF2B7 # Juan José Arboleda
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys CC68F5A3106FF448322E48ED27F5E38D5B0A215F # Marco Ippolito
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 8FCCA13FEF1D0C2E91008E09770F7A9A5AE15600 # Michaël Zasso
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 890C08DB8579162FEE0DF9DB8BEAB4DFCF555EF4 # Rafael Gonzaga
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys C82FA3AE1CBEDC6BE46B9360C43CEC45C17AB93C # Richard Lau
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 108F52B48DB57BB0CC439B2997B01419BD92F80A # Ruy Adorno
gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys A363A499291CBBC940DD62E41F10027AF002F8B0 # Ulises Gascón

See Verifying binaries for how to use these keys to verify a downloaded file.

Other keys used to sign some previous releases

Security release stewards

When possible, the commitment to take slots in the security release steward rotation is made by companies in order to ensure individuals who act as security stewards have the support and recognition from their employer to be able to prioritize security releases. Security release stewards manage security releases on a rotation basis as outlined in the security release process.

License

Node.js is available under the MIT license. Node.js also includes external libraries that are available under a variety of licenses. See LICENSE for the full license text.

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