Node.Js 22 Features: What’s New And More!

Node.js, the popular JavaScript runtime, introduces version 22 with a host of enhancements and features aimed at empowering developers and improving performance. According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2021, Node.js ranked as the most commonly used technology among professional developers globally. This article explores the notable changes in Node.js 22, highlighting key features and their potential impact on development workflows.

• Introducing Node.js 22 
• New And Updated Features In Node.Js 22
• How Node.Js 22 Is Different Than Node.Js 21?
• The Future Of Node.Js 22

Introducing Node.js 22 

• Node.js 22 LTS Transition: Node.js 22 marks the transition to long-term support (LTS) status, scheduled for October. Until then, it serves as the “Current” release, inviting developers to explore its new capabilities and evaluate their applicability to existing applications.
• Notable Changes: The release encompasses numerous improvements across various aspects of the runtime. While the changelog provides a glimpse into the updates, this article delves deeper into the significant enhancements shaping Node.js 22.

New And Updated Features In Node.Js 22

V8 JavaScript Engine Update

• Version 12.4 Update: Node.js 22 incorporates the latest release of the V8 JavaScript engine (version 12.4), introducing several new features and performance enhancements.
• New Features and Improvements: Notable additions include WebAssembly garbage collection, Array.fromAsync, Set methods, and iterator helpers, contributing to enhanced JavaScript execution within Node.js environments.

Support For require()ing ESM Graphs

• Enabling ECMAScript Module Support: Node.js 22 introduces support for loading ECMAScript modules synchronously via require(), under the flag –experimental-require-module.
• Usage and Compatibility: With specific requirements outlined, developers can seamlessly integrate ECMAScript modules alongside CommonJS modules, paving the way for smoother migration paths and improved module interoperability.

WebSocket Enhancements

• Browser-compatible implementation: Node.js 22 by default activates it, eliminating external dependencies and providing a client for seamless communication.
• Default Enablement and Dependencies: The browser-compatible WebSocket client simplifies WebSocket usage in Node.js applications, streamlining development workflows.

Improved Stream Performance

• High Water Mark Adjustment: Node.js 22 increases the default High Water Mark for streams from 16KiB to 64KiB, enhancing performance across various stream operations.
• Performance Boost and Memory Usage: While the adjustment yields performance benefits, developers operating in memory-sensitive environments are advised to monitor and manage memory usage accordingly.

Deprecations On util

Major releases provide an opportunity to deprecate or remove obsolete APIs. Node.js 22 follows a structured deprecation process with three levels: Documentation-only, runtime, and end-of-life. In this release, Node.js 22 runtime deprecates several util APIs. To identify deprecated APIs, run your application with the –throw-deprecation flag to receive a runtime error when a deprecated API is used. It’s advisable to review your usage of util APIs during the upgrade to Node.js 22 and eliminate the usage of deprecated APIs.

Better Handling Of Bad IPV6 Configurations

Since version 17, Node.js no longer prioritizes IPv4 over IPV6. Instead, it respects the order returned based on DNS entries. While properly configured hosts shouldn’t be affected, hosts with partially or incorrectly configured IPv6 stacks may encounter issues.

Node.js has been actively enhancing the experience with incorrectly configured IPv6 stacks since version 17. This includes implementing the happy eyeballs algorithm and resolving edge cases, such as introducing new connection attempt events.

Stable Watch Mode

• Introduction and Functionality: Watch Mode, now stable in Node.js 22, facilitates automatic restarts of the Node.js process upon file changes, enhancing development efficiency.
• Stability and Use Cases: With Watch Mode reaching stability, developers can leverage it confidently in development environments, streamlining iterative development processes.

Glob And globSync Functions

• File Path Matching Additions: Node.js 22 introduces glob and globSync functions to the node:fs module, enabling pattern-based file path matching.
• Integration and Utilization: Developers can leverage these functions for efficient file operations, such as locating and manipulating files based on predefined patterns.

Efficiency Improvements

• AbortSignal Enhancement: Node.js 22 enhances the efficiency of creating AbortSignal instances, resulting in improved performance in fetch operations and test runners.
• Performance Gains in Fetch and Test Runner: The optimization contributes to faster execution and enhanced responsiveness in asynchronous operations.

Node.js 22 Adoption And Transition

• Node.js 18 End-of-Life Reminder: With Node.js 18 approaching end-of-life status in April 2025, users are encouraged to plan their migration to either Node.js 20 or 22 to ensure continued support and compatibility.
• Recommendations for Upgrading: Node.js 22 offers compelling features and improvements, making it an attractive choice for developers seeking to enhance their applications’ capabilities and performance.
• Transition Plan and Support Timeline: Node.js provides a clear transition plan and support timeline, enabling users to align their upgrade strategies with the project’s release schedule and support commitments.

How Node.Js 22 Is Different Than Node.Js 21?

The Future Of Node.Js 22

New features in Node.js 22 include enhanced security, performance, stability, and developer experience. Things like memory management, networking, and I/O operations should see improvements. Additional third-party packages and tools will be added to the ecosystem in the future. 

With consistent upgrades and industry-leading processes, security will always be our first concern. The documentation and developer tooling will be enhanced to make them more user-friendly. Node.js 22 will adapt to new standards and technologies while promoting community participation to drive innovation.

Conclusion

As Node.js 22 transitions to long-term support status, developers can confidently leverage its features to enhance their projects’ capabilities. The stability and reliability offered by Node.js 22 make it an attractive choice for both new and existing applications.

Businesses and developers wishing to use Node.js 22 should research its capabilities and implement them today. Node.js 22 is a compelling platform for developing scalable and performant apps, whether you’re upgrading or starting new projects.

At Appic Softwares, we specialize in Node.js development, offering expertise in leveraging the latest features and best practices to deliver high-quality applications. Contact us today to learn how we can help you harness the full potential of Node.js 22.