Programming

Node.js

Also known as: Node

By Glintr Editorial TeamReviewed by Glintr Learn ReviewersUpdated 2026-08-305 min readArea: Programming

Quick Answer

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that lets developers run JavaScript on servers and build scalable network applications.

Definition

Node.js runs JavaScript outside the browser using Google's V8 engine and an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model. It powers everything from real-time chat servers to full API backends and CLI tools.

Applications

REST and GraphQL APIs
Real-time apps with WebSockets
Serverless functions
Build tooling and CLIs

Advantages

Single language across stack
Huge package ecosystem (npm)
Great for I/O-bound workloads

Limitations

Single-threaded for CPU-heavy tasks
Callback and async pitfalls if misused

Related Concepts

JavaScriptJavaScript is the programming language of the web, running in every modern browser.
APIAn API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined contract that lets one software system talk to another.
Web DevelopmentWeb Development is the practice of building websites and web applications — front-end interfaces, back-end services and the systems that connect them.