What’s New in Node.js 23.0.0: A Major Leap Forward for Developers

The latest version of Node.js, 23.0.0, released in October 2024, brings a range of exciting features and improvements aimed at enhancing both developer experience and the performance of Node.js applications. This release marks a pivotal update, reinforcing Node.js as a leading framework for building efficient and scalable applications. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable enhancements in this release:

1. Native ES modules now default in require()

One of the most anticipated changes is the ability to load native ES modules using require() by default. Previously, developers needed to enable this feature through the –experimental-require-module flag. With Node.js 23, this feature is enabled out of the box, simplifying integration of modern ES modules into Node.js projects and reducing friction for developers transitioning from CommonJS modules. Although still in its experimental phase, this change signals the platform’s evolution towards full ES module support.

2. Dropped support for 32-bit windows

In a move to focus on modern development environments, Node.js 23 has dropped support for 32-bit Windows systems. This decision allows the platform to streamline its development resources and improve the performance and stability of Node.js on 64-bit systems, which dominate current usage.

3. Stabilization of the –run command

The new release stabilizes the –run command, which simplifies script execution directly from the terminal without having to specify explicit file paths. This feature is a welcomed addition for developers looking for more flexibility and efficiency in their workflows.

4. Test runner enhancements

With Node.js 23, the built-in test runner now supports glob patterns for test coverage files. This change significantly simplifies testing workflows, making it easier for developers to execute tests across large codebases while generating more precise coverage reports.

5. Experimental typescript support

In a major step forward for TypeScript developers, Node.js 23 introduces experimental support for running TypeScript files natively, with limited syntax transformation. This feature eliminates the need for external transpilers, making TypeScript-based development faster and more streamlined within the Node.js environment.

6. Experimental web storage API

Node.js 23 introduces support for the Web Storage API, including localStorage and sessionStorage, which developers can now use in a Node.js environment. By enabling the –experimental-webstorage flag, developers can mimic browser-based storage behavior, making it easier to build applications that interact with both server-side and client-side storage solutions.

7. Deprecation of openSSL engine-based APIs

Node.js 23 has deprecated several OpenSSL engine-based APIs, including those related to clientCertEngine and tls.createSecureContext(), as OpenSSL 3 transitions to a new provider model. Developers are encouraged to move towards this updated model for more secure and modern cryptography practices.

8. Performance and compatibility improvements

Beyond feature updates, Node.js 23 comes with important performance and compatibility improvements. The platform has updated its dependencies, including the V8 JavaScript engine, which now supports C++20 features. Additionally, Node.js 23 requires GCC 12 or newer, further ensuring compatibility with modern toolchains and performance optimizations.

Why this matters

Node.js 23.0.0 sets the stage for faster development workflows, greater compatibility with modern technologies, and a more flexible platform for developers. Whether you’re looking to leverage native ES modules, enhance your testing framework, or explore experimental TypeScript support, this release provides powerful tools to help you build better applications more efficiently.

As Node.js continues to evolve, these updates solidify its place as one of the most robust frameworks for building scalable, high-performance applications across industries. For those developing the next generation of web services and APIs, Node.js 23 offers the latest in speed, security, and flexibility.

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