Node.js Runtime Environment Overview

Node.js, abbreviated as Node, is an open-source cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows JavaScript code to run outside the browser. Founded by Ryan Dahl in 2009, Node.js is built on Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine and supports Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X. Known for its event-driven and non-blocking I/O model, Node.js excels in handling concurrent connections, making it ideal for real-time applications such as online gaming, chat apps, and communication services. It features a modular architecture facilitated by npm (Node package manager), fostering code sharing and reuse within its ecosystem. Beyond server-side development, Node.js is used in toolchains, desktop apps, and IoT devices, handling file systems, databases, and network requests to enable full-stack JavaScript development, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness. Major enterprises like Netflix, PayPal, and Walmart leverage Node.js for improved performance and streamlined development processes.