The most recent version of the open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment and library for executing web apps outside of the client’s browser, Node.js 21, was released today, according to the OpenJS Foundation. The Node.js 20 line, which is being moved to long-term support (LTS), is replaced with this one.
The Foundation uses this method to oversee its releases: For a period of six months, major Node.js versions are under “Current” release status. This allows authors of libraries the time to further support them. Up to April 2024, Node.js 21 will be the current release. The Foundation recommends Node.js 20 LTS for production installations and Node.js 21 for early testers working in certain contexts.
Node.js Technical Steering Committee (TSC) Member Rafael Gonzaga said in a statement that “Node.js 21 is a great way to test and see what’s coming if you’re interested in getting access to interesting new features early.” Our release schedule addresses this in detail. Node.js 20 and 18 LTS are for you if you are planning a deployment or if you are currently in an active deployment.”
Here is the full Node.js release schedule.
The list of enhancements for Node.js 21 includes, among other things, modifications to the test runner that let users run functional tests and export results, stable WebStreams, a new experimental flag to flip module defaults (–experimental-default-type), and an update for the V8 JavaScript engine to 11.8. CommonJS modules and ECMAScript modules are the two module systems available for Node.js. Files ending in.js are automatically treated by Node.js as CommonJS modules. This is now easier to turn around.
“Developers’ demand for scalable and dependable web applications is driving an increase in Node.js adoption,” a statement from Michaël Zasso, a member of the Node.js TSC, stated. “With Node.js 21, you can evaluate the current state of Node.js features directly,” . For instance, since Node.js 20, Node.js has had a reliable test runner. Installing a third-party module is not necessary, and writing test scripts is simple. The test runner has several enhancements in Node.js 21.”
The V8 JavaScript engine in Chrome is the foundation upon which Node.js is constructed. It parses and runs JavaScript code. Its non-blocking, event-driven I/O approach contributes to its speed and portability. Its design is akin to and influenced by systems such as Twisted in Python and Ruby’s Event Machine. It’s typically thought to work best for creating websites and other products that need synchronous, real-time interactions, such chat apps. However, it’s also utilized on the front end; one of the reasons Node.js frameworks are so well-liked by developers creating adaptable and scalable back ends is believed to be their event-driven, non-blocking nature.
A full list of changes and commits is available here. And Node.js 21 is available here.
Download Node.js 21 here and get started testing right away!
