The OpenJS Foundation (JavaScript) has released Node.js version 18, which comprises innovative features, including a default enabled Fetch API.
JavaScript’s new version of Node.js
The JavaScript library Node.js has been upgraded to a new version. Node.js version 18 is now available with new features. This version includes findLast and findLastIndex array methods and upgrades to the Intl.Locale API, the Intl.supportedValuesOf functions, and better working of class fields and private class methods.
These features are a result of upgrading the version 8 engine to 10.1. The upgraded version constitutes Chromium 101.
Executive director of the OpenJS Foundation, Robin Ginn, says,
“The Node.js team continues to do fantastic work. The open governance structure for Node.js has led to tangible improvements in security and forward-thinking planning, and the main features of Node.js 18 will be highly valuable to enterprises of all sizes. Whether you’re a new user or already have Node.js broadly implemented, now’s a good time to install and test Node.js 18.”
Node.js 18 is available with a global fetch API that is enabled by default
The Node.js 18 comprises Global Fetch enabled by default, a core test runner, and will continue to be the current Node.js for the next six months. It will be permanent to Long-Term Support in October 2022. After that, its new name will be the codename Hydrogen and will be supported until April 2025.
The global fetch happens to be experimental currently. Until more valuable test coverage is done, it will remain like this. This is because the team has been trying to make this implementation complaint as soon as possible. However, it requires adequate resources which are unavailable for backend networking. As a result, some specs were missing.
Scientific research software engineer, co-founder at Zakodium, and member of the Node.js Technical Steering Committee, Michaël Zasso stated,
“Node.js 18 will enable the Fetch API as a default. It’s been available since Node.js 17, but this moves forward Node.js application development, and it’s exciting to be a part of the process of improving Node.js in key fundamental areas. I would like to thank multiple team members and contributors, and in particular I would like to thank users who push us and support us. Thank you!”