Introduction

An open-source JavaScript runtime environment known as Node Js is specifically employed for back-end development. Node Js 18 was released on April 19, 2022, replacing Node Js 17, which was the previous version. One of Node Js 18’s most notable improvements is its improved JavaScript V8 engine 10.1, which by default supports Global fetch.

For the first six months following its release, Node Js 18 will function as the current release; however, in October 2022, it will transition into the Long Term Support (LTS) version. This LTS release will be known as hydrogen after it enters LTS. Support for Node Js 18 will last until April 2025.

Globally Accessible, Browser-Compatible APIs

Fetch: By default, Node Js 18 provides an experimental (testing) global fetch API. This Experimental API will keep testing until contributions and the overall testing show that it is feasible to implement.

Global fetch API illustration

Web Stream API: 

You will have access to the experimental Webstream API, which can be used to build web applications, in Node Js 18.

The following list of webstream APIs will be open to everyone:

  • ReadableStream
  • ReadableStreamDefaultReader
  • ReadableStreamBYOBReader
  • ReadableStreamBYOBRequest
  • ReadableByteStreamController
  • ReadableStreamDefaultController
  • TransformStream
  • TransformStreamDefaultController
  • WritableStream
  • WritableStreamDefaultWriter
  • WritableStreamDefaultController
  • ByteLengthQueuingStrategy

You can read more about our article for Scaling Node.js Performance Improvement

Module for Test Runner Experimental

The Node Js 18 node:test module offers a simple method for producing TAP-formatted JavaScript test reports. Import test from “node:test” is the best way to retrieve the result;

A test runner module example

Upgrades to the Compiler and Toolchain

Always offering prebuilt binaries for a variety of systems is Node Js. Toolchains are assessed for each most recent release and raised as necessary.

The following list of Node Js 18 Prebuilt Libraries for various platforms:

  • Prebuilt libraries for Linux are now being created (RHEL 8). With Linux distribution and Glibc 2.28, it is adaptable.
  • To utilise prebuilt libraries for macOS, your operating system must be macOS 10.15 or later.
  • For AIX, the minimum supported architecture has been increased from 7 to 8.
  • Prebuilt libraries for 32-bit Windows won’t initially be available due to some problems with V8 in Node Js.

Snapshot of Build Time User-Land

With the help of the -node-snapshot-main parameter in Node 18, users may now create Node.js binaries with experimental custom V8 snapshots.

An example will help you.

Timeouts on HTTP

With the aid of the server.headersTimeout, the default time for the HTTP header is now set to 60 seconds. Additionally, Node Js 18 has a default time of 5 minutes for receiving user or client queries.

To access the direct download link for Node Js 18, click the download link.

The Benefits of Upgrading Your Current Project From Node 17 to 18

The upgrading of the V8 engine to version 10.1 and improvements to the Intl.Locale API are two of the main reasons to switch from Node 17 to Node 18.

performance enhancement for both private class methods and class fields.

Key Take Away on Node Js 18

Node Js’ designers have always sought to offer their consumers the finest possible solution, which is why every time a new version of Node Js is released, bugs and other problems are fixed, and new features are added. The most recent release is Node 18. Contact Nettyfy Technologies for a Node Js development business for the best solution if you want to update your Node Js web application to the most recent version while leveraging Node Js 18’s capabilities to maintain it safe, scalable, and reliable.