V8 is a high-performance JavaScript and WebAssembly engine developed by Google. It is written in C++ and is used in Google Chrome, various Chromium-based browsers, and Node.js. V8 compiles JavaScript directly into native machine code using just-in-time compilation before executing it, instead of using an interpreter. This approach enhances the performance and efficiency of JavaScript execution[2].
In the context of Node.js, V8 plays a crucial role as it is the underlying engine that executes JavaScript code. Node.js is a server-side platform that extends JavaScript to the server, and V8 is integral to its operation because it provides the runtime environment in which JavaScript executes. Without V8, Node.js would not have the ability to run JavaScript code[1][4].
V8 also supports modern JavaScript features and continuously updates to align with the latest ECMAScript standards, ensuring that developers can use the newest syntax and capabilities in their Node.js applications[1][2]. Additionally, V8 handles memory management through an efficient garbage collection mechanism and optimizes code execution dynamically, which significantly contributes to the performance of applications running on Node.js[1][7].
Moreover, V8 exposes APIs that allow Node.js to interact with native C++ code, enabling the development of faster and more feature-rich applications. This interface between JavaScript and C++ within Node.js is crucial for accessing various syste...
