Node.js 23 officially launched on October 17, 2024
The latest major release, Node.js 23, codenamed Krypton, officially launched on October 17, 2024, introduces game-changing updates that every Node.js developer should pay attention to. This version focuses on enhancing performance, modernizing development workflows, and simplifying module handling—making it a must-know for any Node.js developer aiming to stay ahead in 2025.
Key Features in Node.js 23:
- Advanced Testing Made Easier for Node.js Developers
Node.js 23 improves the built-in test runner by adding glob pattern support, allowing Node.js developers to manage and execute tests more efficiently across large projects. This improvement significantly enhances code quality and developer productivity.
- Optimized for Modern Systems: 64-bit Windows Support
Node.js 23 now exclusively supports 64-bit Windows systems, enabling Node.js developers to benefit from improved performance, stability, and compatibility with modern hardware environments.
- Performance and Security Enhancements for Node.js Developers
Thanks to updates to the V8 JavaScript engine, Node.js developers will experience faster execution times, better memory handling, and the latest security patches, ensuring high-performance applications with robust security.
- Seamless ESM Module Usage for Node.js Developers
One of the most notable updates in Node.js 23 is the ability to use require() to load ECMAScript Modules (ESM) by default. This change simplifies modern JavaScript integration, giving Node.js developers more flexibility in blending ESM with existing CommonJS codebases.
- Faster Script Execution with node –run
The node –run command is now fully stable, allowing Node.js developers to run scripts directly from package.json with minimal configuration. This streamlines workflows and speeds up development, especially in CI/CD pipelines.
Top Web Framework Globally : Node.js at 40.8% Usage
As of 2024, Node.js has become the most widely used web framework globally. According to a recent Statista survey, 40.8% of developers are using Node.js—surpassing React.js, which stands at 39.5%. This widespread adoption highlights the critical role of the Node.js developer in today’s fast-paced software landscape.
In summary, the prominence of Node.js in the development community and its widespread adoption across industries have led to a significant increase in demand for skilled Node.js developers
Upcoming events focusing on Node.js
- Node Congress 2025 Scheduled for April 17–18
Node Congress offers a comprehensive update on modern JavaScript backend runtimes and best practices. The event features two days of talks and discussion rooms, with over 15 speakers and participation from more than 5,000 developers worldwide. Topics include various runtimes such as Bun, Deno, Node.js, and Cloudflare Workers, as well as discussions on security, DevOps, databases, micro-frontends, performance, and architecture.