Node.js 21 released with an upgraded V8 JavaScript engine and a built-in WebSocket client

Node.js, the open-source and cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment, has released version 21. This update brings a host of enhancements, including an upgraded V8 JavaScript engine to version 11.8, stable fetch and WebStreams, and a new experimental flag to flip module defaults (--experimental-default-type). The release also debuts a built-in WebSocket client and introduces multiple updates to the test runner, among other improvements.

Upon the transition of Node.js 20 into long-term support (LTS) later this month, Node.js 21 will take its place as the 'Current' release line. According to the release schedule, Node.js 21 will hold this 'Current' status for six months, until April 2024.

The Node.js project consistently exhibits progress in various areas, with a steady influx of new features and fixes being integrated into existing LTS releases.