Node.js (Node) is an open source , cross-platform runtime environment for executing JavaScript code. Node is used extensively for server-side programming, making it possible for developers to use JavaScript for client-side and server-side code without needing to learn an additional language. Node is sometimes referred to as a programming language or software development framework, but neither is true; it is strictly a JavaScript runtime . Node incorporates the V8 JavaScript engine, the same one used in Google Chrome and other browsers. It is written in C++ and can run on macOS, Linux, Windows and other systems. The engine parses and executes JavaScript code. It can operate independently of a browser environment, either embedded in a C++ application or implemented as a standalone program. The V8 engine compiles JavaScript internally, using just-in-time ( JIT ) processes to speed up execution. The follo...