Node.js 25.2.0 (Current) and 24.11.1 LTS released
Node.js has just released two new versions: v25.2.0 and v24.11.1. The former is now the current stable version, while the latter continues its long-term support (LTS) journey.
At its core, Node.js lets you build all sorts of things like web apps, command-line tools, and scripts right in your JavaScript files. That flexibility keeps it popular with developers.
These latest releases focus on making that core experience better and more reliable. Let's look at some highlights from v25.2.0.
Rafael Gonzaga improved the util.deprecate functionality by adding options, giving you finer control over warning messages, definitely a step towards cleaner code down the line.
Meanwhile, René fixed an issue where calling localStorage on a missing path used to work without error. Now it throws one, which prevents surprises and makes your Node.js applications more predictable.
Marco Ippolito also contributed by marking type-stripping as stable. This means you can start using it in production environments with greater confidence; stripping unnecessary types helps reduce bundle size but only if reliable.
Other notable changes include:
- Adding a timeout of 500 ms for network family autoselection to potentially improve connection handling under the hood.
- Introducing napi_create_object_with_properties as a way to create objects directly with their properties set, which might streamline some API calls.
- Including total allocated bytes in the V8 HeapStatistics, which is useful extra detail for memory monitoring.
These adjustments show Node.js is actively working on refining its performance, stability, and how easy it is for developers to use day-to-day.
Then there's v24.11.1, designed for those relying on long-term support channels.
This release specifically tackles a known issue with Buffer.allocUnsafe. It ensures that this function always returns uninitialized memory, just like the documentation says, removing some ambiguity and making its output truly predictable.
Other updates in v24.11.1:
- Further safety tweaks for cpu.sh.
- Adding benchmarking tests to leaf source text modules.
- Updating root certificates to match NSS 3.116, which is an important security patch potentially affecting secure connections built on Node.js.
- Refactoring and clarifying async loader hook customizations.
Essentially, these changes ensure that applications running on LTS get the attention they deserve too: predictable behavior from core features like Buffer.allocUnsafe, safer tools for environment detection (cpu.sh), and clearer paths for customization. It reinforces Node.js's commitment to supporting existing users while making incremental but valuable improvements across the board.
The ongoing effort by the development team is clear. They're focused on enhancing capabilities and fixing issues reported by folks out there using it daily. Whether you're developing cutting-edge features with the latest version or overseeing a critical application on LTS, these releases maintain the environment's robustness and reliability.
Node.js — Node.js v25.2.0 (Current)
Node.js
is a free, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that lets developers create servers, web apps, command line tools and scripts.
Node.js — Node.js v24.11.1 (LTS)
Node.js
