Node.js v4.7.3 for Mac OS X (64-bit)

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that enables JavaScript code execution outside the browser. Created by Ryan Dahl in 2009, its primary aim was to develop high-performance web servers and network applications. Node.js runs on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X, powered by the V8 JavaScript engine from Google Chrome. One of Node.js's key features is its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which is ideal for handling numerous concurrent connections, making it perfect for real-time applications like online games, chat apps, and communication services. Additionally, Node.js employs a modular architecture facilitated by npm (Node package manager), allowing community members to share and reuse code, significantly fostering the growth and expansion of the Node.js ecosystem. Beyond server-side development, Node.js is also used in building toolchains, desktop applications, IoT devices, etc. It can manage file systems, operate databases, and handle network requests, enabling developers to write full-stack applications in JavaScript, thereby enhancing efficiency and convenience. Many large enterprises, including Netflix, PayPal, and Walmart, have adopted Node.js for their web application platforms, leveraging its capabilities to improve performance, streamline development processes, and quickly respond to market demands.