What’s New in Node.js 22: Thrilling Options and Updates

Node.js, the highly effective and fashionable JavaScript runtime, has launched its newest model—Node.js 22. On this launch, three main updates stand out: the improved functionality to require() ECMAScript modules (ESM) inside CommonJS modules, the introduction of a built-in WebSocket consumer, and the most recent updates to the V8 JavaScript engine. Let’s discover these updates and extra!

Principal Updates for Node.js 22

Enhanced require() for ECMAScript Modules

Node.js 22 bridges the hole between CommonJS and ECMAScript modules by enabling the require() operate to import ESM modules straight. The brand new model permits for synchronous ECMAScript modules to be require()d below the --experimental-require-module flag, which facilitates simpler integration and utilization of various module methods.

Native WebSocket Shopper

Node.js 22 introduces a local WebSocket consumer that streamlines the implementation of real-time internet functionalities. This built-in functionality eliminates the dependency on third-party libraries for WebSocket communication, making it simpler to develop functions that require stay knowledge updates, comparable to chat apps or stay notifications.

Updates to the V8 JavaScript Engine

The V8 JavaScript engine in Node.js 22 has been up to date to enhance efficiency and introduce new ECMAScript options, retaining Node.js on the forefront of JavaScript execution effectivity. The up to date V8 engine now helps new options comparable to WebAssembly Rubbish Assortment, Array.fromAsync, Set strategies, and iterator helpers, considerably enhancing efficiency and capabilities.

Different Updates

• Enabled Maglev Compiler: Mechanically enabled on appropriate architectures, the Maglev Compiler enhances the execution effectivity of temporary CLI applications, optimizing operations for quicker, extra responsive efficiency.
• Direct Execution of bundle.json Scripts: An revolutionary experimental characteristic in Node.js 22 is the power to execute scripts straight from the bundle.json utilizing the CLI flag node --run <script-in-package-json>. This characteristic gives builders a streamlined technique to handle and execute scripts, enhancing workflow effectivity.
• Official Steady Watch Mode: The node --watch characteristic, which reloads Node.js processes mechanically upon file modifications, has reached full stability. This performance is essential for builders looking for environment friendly iterative testing and improvement.
• Stream Efficiency Enhancement: The adjustment of the default Excessive Water Mark from 16KiB to 64KiB improves total efficiency for streaming operations, albeit on the expense of a modest enhance in reminiscence utilization.
• Introduction of Globbing Capabilities: The glob and globSync features have been added to the node:fs module, enabling builders to match file paths based mostly on particular patterns simply.
• Enhanced Creation of AbortSignal Cases: Enhancements within the creation course of for AbortSignal cases lead to important efficiency boosts for APIs like fetch and numerous testing instruments.

To obtain Node.js 22.0.0 and discover these new capabilities, go to Node.js Downloads. For extra particulars on the options and the entire checklist of commits, try the Official GitHub.

As Node.js 22 progresses from its “Present” launch standing to long-term help (LTS) in October, you’ve gotten the chance to start out integrating these improvements into their initiatives.

Node.js Launch schedule