Unlocking the Power of Node.js: Exploring the Latest Features

Node.js has been a dominant force in the world of JavaScript runtime environments since its release in 2009. With the recent introduction of new runtimes, some may wonder if Node.js is still relevant. However, the latest releases of Node.js, v18 and v19, have brought a slew of exciting features that are worth exploring.

Node.js v18: A New Era of Development

Released in April 2022, Node.js v18 has become the current release, gaining non-breaking features from newer versions of Node.js. Some of the notable features in v18 include:

• Inbuilt Fetch API: No longer do you need to install third-party packages like node-fetch or Axios to make HTTP requests. The Fetch API is now available globally in Node.js v18.
• Inbuilt Test Runner: Write unit tests with ease using the new test runner, which provides descriptive messages and better organization.
• Web Streams API Support: Break down large files into smaller chunks and consume them gradually, avoiding memory issues.
• Building Binaries with the Snapshot Feature: Create single-executable Node.js binaries using the experimental snapshot flag.
• V8 Engine Upgraded to v10.1: Take advantage of new array methods, Intl.supportedValuesOf(code), and optimized class fields and private methods.

const fetch = async () => {
  try {
    const response = await fetch('https://example.com/api/data');
    const data = await response.json();
    console.log(data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error(error);
  }
};
fetch();

Node.js v19: Watch Mode and More

Released in October 2022, Node.js v19 may not have as many features as v18, but it still packs a punch. Some notable features include:

• Watch Mode: Automatically restart your process when changes are detected, eliminating the need for tools like nodemon.
• HTTP(S)/1.1 KeepAlive by Default: Enjoy faster outgoing connections without configuration, thanks to the keepAlive option being set to true by default.
• V8 Engine Upgraded to 10.7: Use the new Intl.NumberFormat feature to internationalize numbers as currencies.

const number = 123456.789;
const currencyFormatter = new Intl.NumberFormat('en-US', {
  style: 'currency',
  currency: 'USD',
});
console.log(currencyFormatter.format(number)); // Output: $123,456.79

Which Version to Use?

If you’re unsure which version to use, we recommend Node.js v18. Its support will last until 2025, whereas Node.js v19’s support will end next year. Additionally, most of the features in v18 and v19 already exist in alternative runtimes, making them viable alternatives.

Regardless of which version you choose, the latest releases of Node.js have brought a wealth of new features that can enhance your development experience. Whether you choose to stick with Node.js or explore alternative runtimes, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a JavaScript developer.