Node.js

Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment for executing JavaScript outside web browsers. It supports servers, web applications, command-line programs and scripts.

The runtime uses Google’s V8 JavaScript engine and provides event-driven, asynchronous I/O capabilities. The project follows open governance, while the OpenJS Foundation provides organizational support.

Node.js began in 2009 and is distributed under the MIT License. It offers official releases for major desktop and server operating systems.

Node.js includes built-in modules for HTTP, HTTPS, file systems, networking, cryptography, streams, compression, child processes, testing and worker threads.

It supports both CommonJS and ECMAScript modules. Developers can use package.json metadata and npm-compatible package workflows to organize applications and dependencies.

The runtime also provides Node-API for native add-ons, an inspector for debugging, Web Crypto support, a built-in test runner and APIs for embedding Node.js in other software.

Node.js is free to download and use. The project is open source and licensed under the MIT License.

There is no official paid plan, subscription, usage fee or time-limited trial for the runtime. Hosting, support, enterprise tooling and third-party services may carry separate costs.

Pros: Node.js is free, cross-platform and supported by a large JavaScript package ecosystem. Its built-in networking and asynchronous I/O APIs suit web services, APIs and real-time workloads.

Cons: CPU-intensive work can block the main event loop without workers or external services. The flexible ecosystem requires dependency review, and large projects need deliberate architectural conventions.

Deno and Bun are JavaScript and TypeScript runtimes with different built-in tooling and compatibility priorities. Python, Go and Java are broader alternatives for backend services and APIs.

Express.js, Fastify and NestJS are not direct runtime replacements. They are application frameworks commonly used on top of Node.js.

Is Node.js a programming language? No. It is a runtime environment for executing JavaScript and, through tooling, TypeScript-based applications.

Is Node.js free? Yes. The official runtime is free and open source under the MIT License.

What operating systems support Node.js? Official builds and support cover Windows, macOS, Linux and selected additional platforms. Exact support depends on the release line, operating-system version, architecture and system libraries.

Does Node.js include an API? Yes. Its standard library exposes APIs for HTTP, files, networking, cryptography, streams, testing, workers and other runtime functions.

Does Node.js offer a free trial? A trial does not apply because the runtime has no paid subscription. Hosting and commercial support products are separate services.