Node.js is a cross-platform, open-source JavaScript runtime environment designed to execute JavaScript code outside of a web browser. Initially released in 2009 by Ryan Dahl, it allows developers to use JavaScript for server-side scripting and command-line tools, supporting a "JavaScript everywhere" paradigm. Node.js runs on the V8 JavaScript engine, the core of Google Chrome, making it performant. It's governed by the OpenJS Foundation.
Key features include an event-driven, non-blocking architecture that enables handling thousands of concurrent connections efficiently. It is single-threaded but highly scalable. Node.js is compatible with Windows, Linux, Unix, and macOS. It has a rich ecosystem with npm (Node Package Manager), which provides a vast library of open-source packages. Node.js is often used for building scalable network applications, real-time applications, APIs, and microservices.
As an open-source project, Node.js is available for free. However, the cost of Node.js development varies based on project complexity, the expertise and location of the development team, and chosen pricing model. Small applications can range from $10,000 to $25,000, while more complex projects with high scalability, advanced security, and extensive integrations can cost significantly more. Hosting costs can vary, with options ranging from low-end VPS solutions to more comprehensive platforms like Render and Vercel. As of January 2026, the latest stable release is version 25.4.0.
