Node.js is a JavaScript-based runtime environment used for server-side applications and APIs, making it popular among developers in serverless architectures and Jamstack builds. To fetch data from most databases, one needs to install Node.js and NPM, then install the specific database driver using NPM, create a connection script with hostname and credentials, query the database using statements, and encrypt sensitive data. Fauna supports Node.js, allowing developers to integrate it quickly and easily by installing the driver, requiring the driver in the application, instantiating a client, and using queries.