Node.js is intrinsically linked to the V8 JavaScript engine. The V8 engine is a crucial component of Node.js, as it is responsible for parsing and executing JavaScript code. Node.js was specifically built on the V8 engine to leverage its capabilities for server-side execution of JavaScript. The V8 engine, which is also used by Google Chrome, compiles JavaScript directly into machine code, making it extremely efficient and fast[1][2][4].
The relationship between Node.js and V8 is such that Node.js cannot run without V8 or a similar JavaScript engine. V8 is embedded within Node.js, and it allows Node.js to understand and execute JavaScript beyond the ECMAScript standard by adding additional features written in C++[1][4]. This integration is so deep that Node.js does not have the capability to interpret JavaScript code on its own without a JavaScript engine like V8.
While theoretically, Node.js could be modified to work with a different JavaScript engine, this would require significant changes to the Node.js runtime. The choice of V8 was deliberate due to its open-source nature, favorable licensing, and performance characteristics. V8's design allows it to run on multiple platforms, which aligns with Node.js's goal of being cross-platform[1][3].
As of the current state of Node.js, it is designed to work specifically with t...
