Node.js 22 - New Features and Performance Improvements

Node.js 22 brings significant improvements to the platform. Let's explore the most impactful changes.

Native TypeScript Support

Run TypeScript files directly without transpilation:

node --experimental-strip-types app.ts

No tsc, no build step - just run TypeScript natively!

Built-in Environment Variable Validation

import { parseArgs } from 'node:util';

const { values } = parseArgs({
  options: {
    port: { type: 'string', default: '3000' },
  },
});

WebSocket Client Support

Native WebSocket client API:

const ws = new WebSocket('wss://example.com');
ws.addEventListener('message', (event) => {
  console.log(event.data);
});

Performance Improvements

• 20% faster V8 JavaScript execution
• 30% faster module loading
• Improved memory management

Watch Mode Improvements

node --watch server.js

Now with better file detection and faster reload times.

Glob Support

import { glob } from 'node:fs';

for await (const file of glob('**/*.js')) {
  console.log(file);
}

Node.js 22 continues to evolve as a powerful runtime for modern applications.