What are the differences between Node.js versions? How to choose the right version?

Node There are LTS version and Current version. What is the difference between these two versions? The following article will help you quickly understand the differences between Node.js versions, and talk about how to choose the appropriate version. I hope it will be helpful to you!

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment based on the Chrome V8 engine.

In our daily development, Node.js is used in more and more scenarios, ranging from server-side projects to development tool scripts, so it is very necessary to master some basic knowledge of Node.js.

Today we will mainly talk about the difference between LTS and Current in Node.js and how to choose the appropriate version.

1. Version introduction

You can see on the official website that Node.js has LTS series and Current series, which correspond to different latest version numbers.

The version number naming of Nodejs follows Semantic Versioning (Semantic Versioning), and the unified version number representation rules. This rule specifies how version numbers are represented, how they are incremented, how they are compared, and what different version numbers mean.

Version format: Major version number.Minor version number.Revision number

• Major version number (major): When you make incompatible API changes ,
• Minor version number (minor): When you make a backward compatible functional addition, it can be understood as a Feature version,
• Revision number (patch): When you make a backward compatible The compatibility issues are corrected, which can be understood as a Bug fix version.

2. LTS version

The full name of LTS version is Long Time Support, which is Long Time Support Version, the key point For stability and security, the major version number of each LTS version is an even number. It is recommended to select the LTS version for the first download and every subsequent upgrade to reduce unknown problems during the development process.
LTS versions have a 3-stage life cycle:

##ActiveActive phaseEach entry from Current Even-numbered versions of LTS are actively maintained and upgraded for 18 months. MaintenanceMaintenance PhaseAfter the active phase reaches 18 months, it will enter a 12-month maintenance phase, during which only errors will be made Fixes and security patches. End of LifeEnd phasereferred to as EOL. After the maintenance phase reaches the expiry date, the version enters the EOL phase and will no longer be maintained. In other words, each LTS version will have a maximum maintenance period of 30 months, after which there will be no maintenance.

Version life cycle diagram (2022-2025):

3. Current version

Current i.e. The latest release version, which focuses on the development of necessary functions and the improvement of existing APIs, has a shorter lifespan and more frequent code updates.
You can experience the latest features in this version, but you may also encounter various unexpected problems and compatibility issues to deal with.
Usually the Current version will release a major version every 6 months (except for special circumstances):

• A new even-numbered version will be released every April;
• It will be released every October New odd version.

(Picture from: Node.js releases)

For detailed version update records, you can view Node.js releases.

4. How to choose the appropriate version?

• Use LTS version

is generally used in production environments, the focus is on stability, if you need stability and have complex production environments (such as medium or large enterprises), it is recommended to use the LTS version.

• Use Current Version

is generally used in a testing environment, if you are trying new versions and new features (such as ECMAScript new features) , or to be able to quickly and easily upgrade the version without disturbing the environment, it is recommended to use the Current version.

5. Summary

This article mainly talks about the difference between LTS and Current in Node.js and how to choose the appropriate version. In actual development, it does not need to be timely To update to the latest version, we can decide whether to upgrade based on the minimum Node.js version that the project technology stack depends on. If conditions permit, it is recommended to at least upgrade the major version to the latest LTS version.

For more node-related knowledge, please visit: What are the differences between Node.js versions? How to choose the right version? tutorial!

Life cycle	Meaning	Description

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