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The runtime that lets JavaScript run on a server or in developer tools instead of only in the browser.
Node.js powers build tools, scripts, CLIs, API servers, and many Next.js workflows. When you run npm install, npm run build, or a local dev server, Node is usually involved. It is the JavaScript runtime outside the browser.
Plainly
Think of Node.js as a tool from the builder toolbox. The runtime that lets JavaScript run on a server or in developer tools instead of only in the browser.
In practice
Use it when you are installing, editing, testing, reviewing, or shipping code. In practice, define the owner, input, output, and failure mode before you rely on it.