Node.js v16: What's New in the Latest Release?

by Rob Stephen getaprogrammer

Node js version 16 is the latest version of the framework and has the most awaited features that can make Node js development even easier and smoother than before. Here’s what’s new in version 16. 

 

Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside of a web browser. It allows developers to build scalable, fast, and efficient network applications. The features of the newest version of it has made innumerable business owners invest in Node js development. The latest version of Node.js is version 16, which was released on April 20th, 2021. In this article, you will explore the new features and changes introduced in Node.js version 16.

 

V8 engine update: 

Node.js version 16 comes with an updated V8 engine, which is the JavaScript engine used by Google Chrome. The updated V8 engine in Node.js 16 brings improved performance and reduced memory usage, resulting in faster and more efficient code execution. The new V8 engine includes several performance optimizations, including improved garbage collection and optimized JavaScript compilation. The updated V8 engine also supports the latest ECMAScript features, such as private fields, private methods, and class static initialization blocks. These new features and improvements make Node.js version 16 a faster and more reliable platform for building high-performance network applications. 

 

Stable Timers Promises API: 

Node.js version 16 introduced a stable Timers Promises API, which provides a set of Promise-based timer functions that are easier to use than the traditional callback-based timer functions. With the Timers Promises API, developers can use asynchronous programming techniques, such as async/await, to write more concise and readable code. The Timers Promises API includes functions such as setTimeout(), setInterval(), and setImmediate(), which return Promise objects that can be awaited. The API also includes a new function called setTimeoutPromise(), which combines the functionality of setTimeout() and Promise.race() to create a Promise that resolves after a specified timeout period. The Stable Timers Promises API provides a more modern and intuitive way to work with timers in Node.js, making it easier for developers to write scalable and efficient applications. 

 

Prebuilt binaries: 

Node.js version 16 includes prebuilt binaries for macOS on Apple Silicon (arm64), making it easier for developers to run Node.js on Apple's new M1-based Macs. The prebuilt binaries are compiled specifically for the Apple Silicon architecture, providing better performance and efficiency compared to running Node.js through Rosetta 2 emulation. The prebuilt binaries also include the latest version of the V8 engine, providing improved performance and reduced memory usage. With the inclusion of prebuilt binaries for Apple Silicon, Node.js version 16 provides a more seamless experience for developers who are working on the latest generation of Apple Macs. 

 

Web Crypto API: 

Node.js version 16 includes a new experimental Web Crypto API, which provides cryptographic functionality such as encryption, decryption, and hashing. This new API is based on the Web Crypto API specification and is designed to provide a standard interface for cryptographic operations in Node.js. The Web Crypto API includes several cryptographic algorithms, such as AES, RSA, and SHA-256, that can be used for data encryption, decryption, and hashing. The API also provides access to key management functions, such as key generation and storage. With the Web Crypto API, developers can perform secure cryptographic operations within their Node.js applications without having to rely on external libraries or tools. Although the Web Crypto API is still experimental in Node.js version 16, it provides a promising new feature that will make it easier for developers to implement secure cryptographic operations in their applications.

 

Streams: 

Node.js version 16 introduces several improvements and additions to the Streams feature, making it easier for developers to work with data streams in Node.js. One of the major additions to Streams in Node.js version 16 is the new TransformStream API, which allows developers to create custom data transformation streams. The TransformStream API is designed to be easy to use and provides a flexible way to transform data between different formats or types. The new API also includes several other improvements, such as better support for backpressure and improved error handling. Additionally, Node.js version 16 includes several other improvements to the Streams feature, such as better support for asynchronous iteration and improved performance for certain types of streams. These improvements make Node.js version 16 a more powerful platform for working with data streams, which is especially useful for building network applications that require data streaming. 

 

Additional Features: 

Node.js version 16 includes several additional features and improvements, such as:

• Improvements to the Node.js module system, including support for ECMAScript modules.
• The --require flag now supports JSON and .mjs files.
• The --experimental-specifier-resolution flag has been removed.
• Improvements to the Node.js Debugger, including the ability to set breakpoints on functions and generators.

 

Deprecated and Removed Features:

Node.js version 16 also deprecates and removes several features that are no longer necessary or have been replaced by newer, more efficient alternatives. Some of the notable deprecations and removals include:

• The process._tickCallback method has been deprecated and will be removed in a future version.
• The --openssl-config flag has been deprecated and will be removed in a future version.
• The TLS renegotiation feature has been removed. 

 

In conclusion, Node.js version 16 brings several new features and improvements that make it a more powerful and efficient platform for building network applications. With an updated V8 engine, stable Timers Promises API, prebuilt binaries, and several other improvements, Node.js version 16 provides developers with a modern and reliable platform for building high-performance applications.

Rob Stephen is a Node js developer with 10 years of expertise in Node js development. The author is associated with an award-winning Node js development company in Australia, GetAProgrammer. The author has hands-on experience in using the framework and always remains up to date with everything new in Node js and here’s one of the most useful articles about it.

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Created on Mar 23rd 2023 02:07. Viewed 83 times.

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