JavaScript runtime for servers, tools and apps
Node.js lets you run JavaScript outside the browser. It powers web servers, APIs, command-line tools, build systems and desktop apps, and it is the foundation of the modern JavaScript ecosystem.
The Windows installer includes npm, the package manager that gives access to millions of open-source libraries. Frameworks such as Express, Next.js and NestJS, and tools like Vite, TypeScript and ESLint, all run on Node.js. We list the LTS (Long-Term Support) release, which receives security fixes for an extended period and is the recommended choice for most users and production projects.
Node.js is a developer tool rather than an app with a window, so you use it from the command line or through an editor. If you are learning web development or need to run a JavaScript-based tool, install the LTS version.
Pros
- Huge npm package ecosystem
- LTS releases supported for years
- Fast V8 JavaScript engine
Cons
- Command-line only
- Frequent major versions to keep up with
