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nodejs/node

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime for running JavaScript outside the browser.

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What is it?

Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript runtime that lets developers run JavaScript code outside a web browser, for example to build servers, command-line tools and build scripts. It is maintained under an open governance model and supported by the OpenJS Foundation.

The project publishes release lines in several tiers. Current releases receive new features and are intended for library authors and CI pipelines, while LTS releases focus on stability and security for production use. Alpha and Nightly builds are available for testing upcoming changes, and binaries, installers and source tarballs are distributed from nodejs.org.

The repository also contains the source for building Node.js on supported platforms, along with a security reporting process, contribution guidelines and the project's governance documents.

Key features

  • 01Runs JavaScript on the server and in command-line environments outside the browser.
  • 02Provides Current releases for new features and LTS releases for long-term stability.
  • 03Available on multiple platforms, with source build instructions for supported systems.
  • 04Binaries and source tarballs can be checked against published SHA checksums and PGP signatures.
  • 05Governed openly, with a documented process for reporting security vulnerabilities.

Use cases

  • Building backend web servers and APIs with JavaScript or TypeScript toolchains.
  • Writing command-line tools and build or automation scripts.
  • Testing upcoming Node.js changes through Alpha or Nightly builds.
  • Running CI pipelines that need a pinned, verified Node.js binary.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download binaries, installers, or source tarballs from the Node.js download page

  2. 2

    Verify downloaded binaries with the checksum and PGP signature (optional)

  3. 3

    Build Node.js from source following BUILDING.md

Things to know

  • Alpha and Current releases are not intended for production use and may change ABI between releases.
  • Building from source requires following the separate BUILDING.md instructions.

Topics

#javascript#runtime#nodejs#backend#server-side#cli#js#linux#macos#mit

FAQ

What is node?
Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime for running JavaScript outside the browser. Node.js is a cross-platform JavaScript runtime that lets developers run JavaScript code outside a web browser, for example to build servers, command-line tools and build scripts. It is maintained under an open governance model and supported by the OpenJS Foundation.
Is node free to use? What license does it have?
node is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is node still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to node was on Oct 20, 2026.
What can I use node for?
Building backend web servers and APIs with JavaScript or TypeScript toolchains. Writing command-line tools and build or automation scripts. Testing upcoming Node.js changes through Alpha or Nightly builds. Running CI pipelines that need a pinned, verified Node.js binary.
How do I install node?
Download binaries, installers, or source tarballs from the Node.js download page Verify downloaded binaries with the checksum and PGP signature (optional) Build Node.js from source following BUILDING.md
Where can I get node?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/nodejs/node

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