Node.js Runtime Environment Introduction

Node.js, also known as Node, is an open-source and cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. It allows running JavaScript code outside of web browsers. Created by Ryan Dahl in 2009, Node.js aims to build high-performance web servers and network applications. It is based on Google Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine and can run on various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, and Mac OS X. One of Node.js's key features is its event-driven and non-blocking I/O model, making it suitable for handling large amounts of concurrent connections, which excels in building real-time applications like online games, chat apps, and instant messaging services. Additionally, Node.js adopts a modular architecture, enabling community members to share and reuse code through npm (Node package manager), greatly promoting the development and expansion of the Node.js ecosystem. Node.js is not only used for server-side development but also for building toolchains, desktop applications, IoT devices, and more. With its capabilities in handling file systems, database operations, and network requests, developers can write full-stack applications in JavaScript, significantly improving development efficiency and convenience. In practice, many large enterprises and organizations have adopted Node.js as the development platform for their web applications, such as Netflix, PayPal, and Walmart. They leverage Node.js to enhance application performance, simplify development processes, and respond to market demands faster.