Node.js, abbreviated as Node, is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment. It enables the execution of JavaScript code outside of the browser. Founded by Ryan Dahl in 2009, Node.js aims to create high-performance web servers and network applications. It utilizes the V8 JavaScript engine from Google Chrome and can run on various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix, and macOS. Node.js is renowned for its event-driven and non-blocking I/O model, making it ideal for handling large-scale concurrent connections, thus excelling in real-time applications like online gaming, chat apps, and instant messaging services. Additionally, Node.js employs a modular architecture, facilitated by npm (Node package manager), allowing community members to share and reuse code, greatly fostering the development and expansion of the Node.js ecosystem. Beyond server-side development, Node.js is increasingly utilized in building toolchains, desktop applications, IoT devices, and more. With its capabilities in handling file systems, database operations, and network requests, developers can write full-stack applications in JavaScript, significantly enhancing development efficiency and convenience. In practice, many large enterprises and organizations have adopted Node.js as the development platform for their web applications, including Netflix, PayPal, and Walmart, leveraging Node.js to improve application performance, streamline development processes, and respond to market demands more swiftly.