Introduction to Node.js 20: What's New and How to Get Started

Node.js has long been a go-to solution for developers looking to develop web applications quickly. With each new release, Node.js continues to evolve and meet the community's needs by adding new features and improving performance and security. Released in 2024, Node.js 20 brings exciting new features that promise to make it more scalable, secure, and user-friendly. In this article, we'll explore the main features of Node.js 20, discuss its development, and walk you through how to get started with the new version.

What's New in Node.js 20?

Node.js 20 includes many important features and improvements to increase productivity and security. Let's move on to the main changes:

1. Native Permissions Model

One of the main features of Node.js 20 is introducing a custom authorization model. Until now, developers had to rely on external tools or custom solutions to manage access rights. Node.js 20's built-in permissions model allows you to control access to resources such as databases, connections, and environments. This increases security, making it easier to manage restrictions on sensitive data and resources. For example, when you run a Node.js script, you can set permissions using flags. This approach adds a level of security by preventing unauthorized access, which is especially useful in areas where applications use sensitive data.

2. WebAssembly System Interface (WASI) Support

WebAssembly (WASM) has rapidly grown in popularity as a technology that allows code to run well on multiple platforms. Node.js 20 includes improved support for the WebAssembly System Interface (WASI), which allows developers to seamlessly run WASM code in their Node.js applications. WASI support allows developers to write functions in their code in languages like Rust or C++ and integrate them into their Node.js applications. This improves performance, especially for CPU-intensive applications, and makes Node.js more flexible, as developers can use WASM's compatibility with other languages and tools.

3. V8 Engine Performance Improvements

Node.js 20 updates the V8 engine to version 11.0, which provides better performance. V8, the JavaScript engine behind Node.js, has received improvements that improve execution time and resource usage. For example, the new V8 engine includes improved memory management and garbage collection, resulting in faster startup times and improved performance. This update makes Node.js 20 better suited for high-performance applications where speed and performance are important.

4. Improved TypeScript Support

As TypeScript support grows, Node.js has responded by supporting TypeScript. Node.js 20 offers the best TypeScript integration, making it easier for developers to write, compile, and debug TypeScript code. With improved compatibility, Node.js 20 simplifies the process of integrating TypeScript functions, making it a viable choice for both TypeScript and JavaScript developers. In addition, Node.js 20 is compatible with the latest version of TypeScript, which includes new language and features. This integration not only improves development speed but also helps organizations develop applications with confidence in security.

5. Updated Test Run Module

Testing is an important part of the development process, and Node.js 20 brings improvements to the test run module. The update includes many new features, such as side-by-side test support and improved reporting tools that make it easier for developers to collect, conduct, and analyze test results. The test drive functionality has also been improved, reducing the time required to run a large test. This is especially useful in a continuous integration (CI) environment, where rapid response to code changes is critical. These enhancements allow developers to make their code reliable and production-ready.

Getting Started with Node.js 20

1. Installation

To start using Node.js 20, install it first. Depending on your workflow, the process may be slightly different. Here's how to install Node.js 20 on multiple platforms:

• Windows and macOS: Visit the Node.js website and download the Node.js installer 20 for your system. Run the installer and follow the installation instructions.
• Linux: Open a terminal and install Node.js 20 using the package manager. For example, in Ubuntu, you can use the following command:

curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash - 
sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

nvm (Node Version Manager): If you want to manage multiple Node.js versions, nvm is a great tool. Install Node.js 20 on nvm with the following command:

nvm install 20

2. Set up the Base Project

Once Node.js 20 is installed, setting up a new project is easy. Create a simple project like this:

1. Start the project: Open a terminal in your project directory and run:

mkdir my-nodejs-project
cd my-nodejs-project
npm init -y

This creates a package.json file that controls the progress of your project.

1. Create a basic server: Create an index.js file with simple HTTP server code:

const http = require('http');
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
    res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
    res.end('Hello, Node.js 20!');
});
server.listen(3000, () => {
    console.log('Server is running at http://localhost:3000/');
});

1. Run your project: Start the server on your terminal:

node index.js

Go to http://localhost:3000 in your browser, and you should see the message "Hello, Node.js 20!" appear on the screen.

3. Testing New Features

Check out the new features in Node.js 20, such as the authorization model. For example, you can test the permissions by running the script with limitations:

node --experimental-permission=file index.js

Published By: Ibrahim
Updated at: 2024-11-04 14:14:39