Node.js 19: What’s New In the Latest Version of Node v19?

One of the greatest runtime environments – Node.js, assist in successfully creating server-side Javascript codes to make sure that it is portable after modifications. The team behind Node.js introduces a fresh update of this JavaScript framework, typically at intervals of every six months. After the remarkable success of Node 18, the most recent version, Node 19, made its debut in October 2022.

Now, you may be aware that Node.js adheres to an even convention, which means that all even versions will be stable and will have LTS (long-term support). As new versions are released, the odd versions will become increasingly stable. 

Node 19 released new features to help improve the functionality, security, and appearance of your project. 

This article is all about the latest enhancements introduced in Node.js’s newest release, Node 19. Additionally, we will offer comprehensive guidance on how to smoothly upgrade your existing Node.js project from version 18 to the latest version, Node 19.

Use Cases of Node JS

As Node.js utilizes the same programming language for both the frontend and the backend, it offers a significant boost in productivity for development teams. 

This results in a faster, more efficient, and highly versatile web application development process, ultimately reducing development costs. However, it’s important to note that Node.js is most effective when integrated with specific types of websites. 

But for now, let’s explore various use cases of Node.js in detail, highlighting the advantages of utilizing it for web application development.

1. Streaming Web App Development
2. Single-Page Application Development 
3. Real-Time Chat-bot Development
4. Dashboard Development to Track Real-time Data
5. Enabling Server-side proxy
6. Developing Big Data and Analytics Solutions
7. Crafting of Microservices Architecture
8. Collaboration Tools Development
9. Facilitating Wireless Connectivity
10. Crafting Web Extraction and Automation solutions

What’s New? Major Updates for Node.js 19

The most recent version of Node.js was introduced to bettering all the aspects of a web application or website. Here are a few intriguing reasons why you should think about using Node.js Architecture for your Node.js development projects.

1. HTTP(S)/1.1 KeepAlive by default

As you may know, HTTP is based on TCP, and each TCP connection is costly to establish. However, each HTTP request necessitates the establishment of a new TCP connection, which is both inconvenient and costly. 

However, with Node 19, when you send an HTTP request, it will turn on the KeepAlive Header for 5 seconds (to prevent server bloat), allowing you to reuse the TCP connection. 

Furthermore, Node.js developers can parse the KeepAlive response sent by the server, and this header can show them how much it will cost to keep it connected. Furthermore, if HTTP KeepAlive is utilized to re-use the TCP connection after calling close(), Node.js HTTP will automatically disconnect the idle clients.  

When this feature appears to be stable with Node 19, it will help improve the input/output performance of the network.

2. Node.js 18 Goes Long-Term Support (LTS)

Node.js 18 become LTS (Long Term Support) on October 25, 2022, followed by the release of the most recent Node.js 19, establishing the transition of Node.js 18.x to LTS under the codename ‘Hydrogen.’

The Active 18.x release is classified as ‘Active LTS’ and will remain in that category until October 2023, when it will be moved to the ‘Maintenance’ category until the end of April 2025.

3. No Support for DTrace/SystemTap/ETW

DTrace is a command line tool used by Node.js developers in the United States to obtain a comprehensive overview of the active system and to examine the parameters such as CPU time, network resources, memory, and filesystem used by the currently running processes. However, while DTrace is a useful tool, its upkeep can be time-consuming. 

That’s the reason, the most recent version of this Javascript framework from Node.js does not support DTrace/SystemTap/ETW.

4. llhttp 8.1.0

llhttp has been patched to the latest version, 8.1.0, with Node 19, introducing some excellent features. It not only contains new callbacks, but it also allows developers to pause all existing and new ones.

5. npm 8.19.2

Despite the fact that Node 19 has the same version of npm as Node 18, npm was introduced in Node.js in version 8.6.0. As a result, the most recent versions enable Node.js app development to take advantage of the most recent npm features. 

6. Platform Support

Node 19 makes some changes and updates to the platform support. Although there are no changes to the essentials in the BUILDING.md, you will notice that operating systems or platforms that have officially attained their EOL or end-of-life will no longer be supported in the latest version of Node.js. 

7. Custom ESM Resolution Adjustments

The -experimental-specifier-resolution flag is not available in the latest version of Node.js. With custom loaders, you can achieve the same functionalities and possess comparable features. Else you can hire Node.js developers who can help you with the same.

8. Stable WebCrypto

WebCrypto is a cryptographic API for web platforms that allows you to securely and efficiently manage all types of cryptographic transactions and operations. It has been added in the most recent Node.js release. 

9. Updated V8 JavaScript Engine to 10.7

Node.js development relies on the V8 engine, which serves as the runtime environment for writing and executing JavaScript code. The V8 engine eliminates the need for developers to concern themselves with compatibility issues across different operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, and various hardware architectures such as Arm, x64, Power PC, and more. This allows developers to focus on their code without worrying about platform-specific complexities. 

Node 19 offers the most recent reiteration of this engine, version 10.7, which improves Node.js project development by adding more features and functionalities and improving performance.

Furthermore, with Node 19, the Javascript API now includes a new feature called Intl.NumberFormat. 

10. node –watch (experimental)

To monitor any changes in the code, node-watch has been introduced as a direct replacement for Nodemon. This code snippet might be of help with your project:

The most recent version of Node.js includes advanced programming that allows you to monitor any changes in your code and restart the script and server automatically. It will contribute to the increased productivity of your project. 

Upgrade from Node 18 to Node 19

Did you try Node.js 19?

As a result, we can conclude that Node.js is a popular web app development framework among developers. You can therefore carefully download the most recent version of Node.js 19 from its official website in order to take advantage of all of its newest features and capabilities. Not only that, but you can also read its release post, which includes a list of Node.js 19 commits. 

And, of course, as a reliable website development company, DianApps will test the applications and modules in the upcoming projects with Node.js 19 for improved performance. With the latest changes and features, Node.js 19 will undoubtedly demonstrate the bright side of web app development.

If you’re eager to stay informed about the release of Node.js, it is recommended to regularly check the Node.js Release Schedule. In case you face any challenges while deploying Node.js 19, or if you’re seeking to upgrade your Node.js project to the latest version, worry not! Our developers have got you covered.