Everything You Need to Know About Node.js 14

On April 21, Node.js 14 was finally released, the major attraction for you here is, it is the ‘current’ release for the first six months. This version will get promoted to long-term support (LTS) in October 2020. But there is nothing to get disheartened as the significant features will be made available in minor releases. Moreover, the major updates of this version have already been ported to earlier versions of Node.js.

The main attention in this release is on the built-in diagnostic reporting, V8 upgraded to 8.1, experimental Async Local Storage API, no more Experimental Modules warning, and few more. It is an appropriate time to explore its new features and start application testing with Node.js 14. Let’s unveil what exactly Node.js 14 has in store for us!

Let’s look into the exciting new features of the improved Node.js 14

Diagnostic Report

The diagnostic report provides an easily consumable report that is created on-demand or when events occur for instance in the triage of production issues or similar.

“As a stable feature there will be one less command-line option needed to enable Diagnostic reports and it should be easier for users to enable it in production environments,” said Node.js Team.

This information can also help in cases such as slow performance, unexpected errors, memory leaks, high CPU usage, and more. This would be beneficial for the distinctive range of customers over languages, which includes Java, Node.js, and Swift.

An Experimental Async Local Storage API

This feature is going to be a thrill for developers. We all have already endured the functioning of the experimental Async Hooks API with Async Local Storage. But it was tricky to maintain outside of the environment of Node.js core. With the latest API, it will be easier for the application to be stable.

Upgraded V8

This was expected! The advance V8 JavaScript engine upgrade brings high-end performance tweaks and elevation to the floor. This will keep the game up for Node.js with ongoing developments in the language and runtime.

Better Internationalized Support

An improved localized/internationalized support is essential for both business and customers. Node.js 14 is the first LTS that has been released with full ICU data by default.

Easy to Develop Native Module

With Node.js 14, modules can be created and maintained effortlessly. Node 14 is available in N-API version 6, this will comprise the support for BigInt with necessary improvements.

Here are some of the packed highlights for you:

• Optional Chaining — MDN
• Nullish Coalescing — MDN
• Intl.DisplayNames — MDN         
• Users can now enable calendar and numbering System options for Intl.Date Time Format 

Final Words

There are more features to discover with Node.js 14 that you can try. It will take more 6 months to arrive in the ‘current’ phase and during this period the version will receive more new features. Developers are welcome to test the release for experimenting with new features, compatibility of a project with fresh updates of Node.js.

If you want your project to be tried on Node.js 14, then Sparx IT Solutions can help you with it. Our developers will examine and test to develop a project in collaboration with the advanced features of this state-of-the-art Node.js version. Give us a call today and get a free consultation.