Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows you to execute JavaScript code outside of a web browser, typically on the server-side. This capability transforms JavaScript from a client-side scripting language into a versatile tool for full-stack development.

At its core, Node.js leverages Google's powerful V8 JavaScript engine, the same engine that powers Google Chrome. This ensures high-performance execution of your JavaScript code.

Here are some keypoints of node.js

1. Built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine → The same engine that powers Google Chrome, but without the browser features.
2. Server-side JavaScript → Traditionally, JavaScript ran only in browsers for front-end interactivity. Node.js allows JavaScript to be used for back-end logic as well.
3. Event-driven & non-blocking → Uses asynchronous I/O, meaning it can handle many requests without waiting for one to finish before starting another.
4. Cross-platform → Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Typical uses

1. Building web servers & APIs (e.g., Express.js)
2. Real-time applications (e.g., chat apps, multiplayer games)
3. Automation scripts & command-line tools
4. Streaming services