Quick Answer
What is Node.js?
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime that lets developers run JavaScript on servers and build scalable network applications.
Programming
Node.js
Also known as: Node
By Glintr Editorial TeamReviewed by Glintr Learn ReviewersUpdated 5 min readArea: Programming
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.