Node.js 25 has been released, offering several improvements, including faster JSON.stringify operations with the upgrade to V8 14.1 and enhanced network control through --allow-net. The release prioritizes security by making secure-by-default apps and web-standard APIs the top priority, while also removing deprecated APIs to simplify the ecosystem. Other notable changes include enabling Web Storage by default for easier client-side data management and introducing a portable compile cache and JSPI for WebAssembly. Node.js 25 aims to make the development experience smoother and more efficient, with a focus on performance, security, and quality of life improvements.

Node.js 25 released

Node.js 25 is out now, and it comes with a lot of cool new features and fixes. One of the most important improvements is the upgrade to V8 14.1, which makes JSON.stringify operations much faster and adds built-in support for converting Uint8Array objects to base64 or hex strings.

Node.js is still a free, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that lets developers make servers, web apps, command-line tools, and scripts. This release puts even more emphasis on security by making secure-by-default apps and web-standard APIs the top priority.

The permission model has been changed to include --allow-net, which gives you more control over network permissions. Web Storage is now turned on by default, which makes it easier to handle data storage on the client side. Also, ErrorEvent is now a global object, which means that developers can call its methods directly.

This release removes or finalizes a number of deprecated APIs, such as SlowBuffer and other old functions. The goal of these changes is to make the Node.js ecosystem easier to use and to get developers to use newer, better methods.

There are a lot of improvements to quality of life, like the addition of a portable compile cache and JSPI for WebAssembly. The last improvement makes it easier to support applications that use WebAssembly.

This release includes numerous notable commits, including updates to the permission model, Web Storage, ErrorEvent, deprecated APIs, and more. Some specific highlights include:

• Upgrading V8 to 14.1 for improved performance and features
• Adding --allow-net to the permission model for enhanced network control
• Enabling Web Storage by default for easier client-side data management
• Making ErrorEvent a global object for direct access to its methods
• Removing or finalizing deprecated APIs, such as SlowBuffer, to simplify the ecosystem
• Introducing a portable compile cache and JSPI for WebAssembly
• Improving security with secure-by-default applications and web-standard APIs

Node.js 25 is a big step forward in terms of performance, security, and the experience of developers. Node.js is still a top choice for building fast, reliable, and scalable server-side applications because it keeps adding new features and making its API easier to use.

It's important for developers to learn about the changes and updates that came with Node.js 25, just like with any other major release. This will help them make the most of the new features and improvements while making sure that their projects move smoothly from one version to the next.

In addition to the previously mentioned big commits, this release includes numerous small and patch-level updates. These changes aim to enhance specific aspects of Node.js, such as its build process, dependencies, documentation, and testing infrastructure.

Here are some examples of these updates:

• Upgrading Python linter ruff and adding new rules for improved code quality
• Updating the minimum Xcode version to 16.4 for compatibility with newer Apple development tools
• Patching V8 to 13.7.152.19 for bug fixes and performance enhancements
• Adding a cooldown property to the tools module for more efficient testing
• Reverting the enable JSPI feature, as it was already enabled by default

These updates show that Node.js is dedicated to making things better all the time and that it wants to provide developers a stable and reliable platform to build their apps on.

There are also some things that are no longer supported or have been removed in this version of Node.js, just like with any other software release. The goal of these changes is to make the API surface easier to use and to encourage developers to use newer, more efficient methods.

Here are some specific examples:

• Removing or finalizing deprecated APIs, such as SlowBuffer
• Deprecating outdated functions, like fs.F_OK, fs.R_OK, fs.W_OK, and fs.X_OK
• Moving various deprecated modules and functions to end-of-life status

These changes will make the Node.js ecosystem less complicated and make the development process smoother and more efficient.

For more information about this release and download links, visit the linked announcement below:

Node.js

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