Exploring Node.js v20 features in action

Node.js v20, released on April 18, 2023, introduces several new features designed to enhance security and user experience. Among these is the experimental Permission Model, which restricts applications from accessing system resources without explicit permission, thereby mitigating the risk of unauthorized access by third-party packages. This version also stabilizes the built-in test runner, previously experimental, enabling more reliable testing environments akin to those in other programming ecosystems like Python and Go. Additionally, Node.js v20 updates the V8 JavaScript engine to version 11.3, bringing features such as resizable ArrayBuffer and Growable SharedArrayBuffer, which improve data handling capabilities. Users can now read directories recursively without third-party libraries, thanks to updates to the readdir method, and the experimental Single Executable Application feature allows for the bundling of apps into standalone executables, eliminating the need for Node.js to be pre-installed on target systems. These enhancements aim to streamline Node.js development, reduce dependencies, and bolster security measures.