What’s the Buzz About NodeJS 22?

NodeJS 22 brings significant improvements over its predecessor, NodeJS 21. With updates to the V8 engine, enhanced compatibility for ECMAScript Modules (ESM), and the introduction of new APIs, this release is designed to empower developers to build scalable, high-performance applications with ease.

NodeJS 22: Latest Features and Enhancements

NodeJS 22 introduces a host of new features and improvements that will revolutionize how you build and maintain your applications. Here’s a closer look at what’s new:

V8 Upgraded to 12.4

The V8 engine in NodeJS 22 has been upgraded to version 12.4, bringing new features like Array.fromAsync, WebAssembly Garbage Collection, and iterator helpers. These additions give developers powerful tools to boost application performance and efficiency.

Maglev Compiler

NodeJS 22 now includes the V8 Maglev JIT compiler by default on supported architectures. This compiler, positioned between Sparkplug and Turbofan, optimizes short-term CLI programs for maximum performance, ensuring your applications run smoothly.

Enhanced ESM Compatibility

NodeJS 22 improves compatibility with ECMAScript Modules (ESM), introducing new features like import.meta.filename and import.meta.dirname. These enhancements simplify the migration from CommonJS to ESM, making it easier to modernize your codebase.

Deprecations in util Module

NodeJS 22 streamlines the deprecation process for APIs in the util module, encouraging developers to transition away from outdated methods. Running your applications with the --throw-deprecation flag will help identify deprecated APIs, ensuring a smoother upgrade path.

WebSocket Improvements

WebSocket clients in NodeJS 22 benefit from default browser-compatible implementations, eliminating the need for the --experimental-websocket flag. This update simplifies development and reduces dependencies on external libraries.

New Add-on APIs and Environment Variable Enhancements

NodeJS 22 introduces a range of new APIs, including a test runner, WebSocket, and argument parser, along with a Text Styling API for formatting text. Environment variable management has also been improved with the addition of the --env-file command-line option, streamlining the development process.

glob and globSync Enhancements

The node:fs module now includes new glob and globSync functions, improving pattern matching and file path manipulation within your Node.js applications.

Support for require() in ESM Graphs

NodeJS 22 introduces support for require() in ESM graphs under the --experimental-require-module flag. This feature allows synchronous loading of ES Modules, making it easier to integrate with legacy codebases.

Running package.json Scripts

NodeJS 22 introduces an experimental feature that allows developers to run scripts directly from package.json using the node --run <script-in-package-json> CLI flag, streamlining the development workflow.

 Stream Default High Water Mark

The default high water mark for streams has been increased from 16KiB to 64KiB, enhancing performance while using slightly more memory. This update is particularly beneficial for applications that handle large data streams.

Stable Watch Mode Command Line

NodeJS 22 stabilizes the Watch Mode Command Line option, ensuring that applications automatically reboot when files are changed during development, improving the efficiency of the development process.

Improved AbortSignal Performance

Performance improvements in the creation of AbortSignal instances in NodeJS 22 enhance the speed of operations like fetch and the test runner, making your applications faster and more responsive.

What Should Be Your Next Step?

With NodeJS 22 offering a blend of powerful new features, enhanced tools, and improved performance, now is the time to consider upgrading your applications. Whether you’re maintaining a legacy codebase or building a new project, NodeJS 22 provides the tools you need to create scalable, efficient, and high-performing applications.