Experimental global fetch API that simplifies writing cross-platform HTTP request code is available by default in the latest version of the popular JavaScript runtime. Credit: Cerae / Getty Images Node.js 18, the latest version of the popular JavaScript runtime, has been released, bringing enhancements in cryptography and turning on an experimental fetch API by default. However, prebuilt binaries for 32-bit Windows are not yet available. Introduced April 19 and available from the Node.js website, Node.js 18 improves security with support for the OpenSSL 3.0 cryptography library, which includes open source implementations of SSL and TLS protocols for securing communications across networks. OpenSSL 3.0 has a FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) module that has been submitted for validation. FIPS is a set of US government requirements for governing cryptographic usage in the public sector. Node.js 18’s experimental, browser-compatible global fetch API provides an interface for fetching resources across networks. Although available since Node.js 17, the API will be enabled by default in Node.js 18. While similar to XMLHttpRequest, the API provides a more powerful, flexible feature set, Node.js project developers said. The API will remain experimental until more test coverage is added and contributors verify that the API implements as much of the specification as possible. For Windows, prebuilt binaries for 32-bit implementations of Microsoft’s OS initially will not be available due to issues building the V8 JavaScript/WebAssembly engine. Node.js developers hope to restore 32-bit binaries for Windows with a future V8 update. With Node.js 18, the V8 JavaScript/WebAssembly engine has been updated to version 10.1. There are prebuilt binaries for Linux and MacOS. Node.js 18 is classified as a “Current” release, meaning it is geared for testing before being suitable for production use when it is promoted to long-term support (LTS) status in October 2022. The release is part of the Next-10 strategic initiative, an effort to forge a path for Node.js for the next 10 years. Also new in Node.js 18: An experimental test runner module, node:test, helps enable creation of JavaScript tests that result in TAP (Test Anything Protocol) format. A Web Streams API, also experimental, allows JavaScript to programmatically access streams of data received over the network and process them as desired by the developer. Users can build a Node.js binary with a custom V8 startup using the –-node-snapshot-main flag of the configure script. This is an experimental capability. Related content analysis Beyond the usual suspects: 5 fresh data science tools to try today The mid-month report includes quick tips for easier Python installation, a new VS Code-like IDE just for Python and R users, and five newer data science tools you won't want to miss. By Serdar Yegulalp Jul 12, 2024 2 mins Python Programming Languages Software Development analysis Generative AI won’t fix cloud migration You’ve probably heard how generative AI will solve all cloud migration problems. It’s not that simple. Generative AI could actually make it harder and more costly. By David Linthicum Jul 12, 2024 5 mins Generative AI Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing news HR professionals trust AI recommendations HireVue survey finds 73% of HR professionals trust AI to make candidate recommendations, while 75% of workers are opposed to AI making hiring decisions. By Paul Krill Jul 11, 2024 3 mins Technology Industry Careers how-to Safety off: Programming in Rust with `unsafe` What does it mean to write unsafe code in Rust, and what can you do (and not do) with the 'unsafe' keyword? The facts may surprise you. By Serdar Yegulalp Jul 11, 2024 8 mins Rust Programming Languages Software Development Resources Videos