Node.js v4.7.1 macOS 64-bit Archive

Node.js, often referred to simply as Node, is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows JavaScript code to be executed outside of a browser. Created by Ryan Dahl in 2009, Node.js aims to develop high-performance web servers and network applications. It utilizes the Google Chrome V8 JavaScript engine and can operate on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Unix, and macOS. One of Node.js's key features is its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, making it well-suited for managing numerous concurrent connections, thus excelling in building real-time applications such as online games, chat apps, and real-time communication services. Additionally, Node.js employs a modular architecture. Through npm (Node Package Manager), community members can share and reuse code, significantly fostering the growth and expansion of the Node.js ecosystem. Node.js is not only for server-side development; with technological advancements, it is also used to build toolchains, develop desktop applications, and IoT devices. Node.js can handle file systems, interact with databases, and process network requests, allowing developers to write full-stack applications in JavaScript, greatly enhancing development efficiency and convenience. In practice, many large enterprises and organizations, such as Netflix, PayPal, and Walmart, have adopted Node.js as their web application development platform, leveraging it to improve application performance, streamline development processes, and quickly respond to market demands.