Released on July 9, 2025, Node.js 24.4.0 brings updates to the crypto, fs, sqlite, and watch modules—plus improvements across docs and dependencies.
📦 Highlights & Improvements
- Crypto: Incremental-Output Support – The `crypto.hash()` function now accepts an `outputLength` option for XOF (eXtendable-Output Function) algorithms like SHAKE.
- FS: New disposable `mkdtempSync` – Create temporary directories that clean themselves up automatically once your script exits.
- SQLite: `readBigInts` option added – Easily fetch large integer values from SQLite databases without manual conversion.
- Watch Mode Enhancements – New flags like `–watch-kill-signal` enhance development workflows under the watch mode.
- Permission Model Update – Improved propagation of permission model flags across child processes and addons.
🔍 Under the Hood
- Many documentation updates, including improved CLI help and stability marker fixes.
- Build system tweaks and native code improvements.
- Regular dependency updates: V8 engine, SQLite, undici, googletest, minimatch, and more—all contributing to stability and performance.
- Key bug fixes in DNS, streams, crypto (including SHAKE128 improvements), inspector, and permission handling.
💼 Why This Matters
- Richer cryptography support: XOF functions are better suited for advanced hashing and digital signature use cases.
- Cleaner temp directories: The disposable `mkdtempSync` makes creating temporary files safer and less error-prone.
- Smoother DB integration: The new SQLite BigInt support removes boilerplate for handling large numbers.
- Better watch/development UX: More flags give devs flexibility in managing process signals during active development.
- Stronger build stability: Dependable updates and bug fixes make Node.js more reliable for production systems.
🧭 Upgrade Path
- If you’re using Node.js 24 in development or early production, upgrading to 24.4.0 is low-risk and recommended.
- Test your app—especially crypto, temp directories, and file watching flag usage—to ensure compatibility.
- For LTS plans, Node 22 is the current Long-Term Support version; Node 24 will transition to LTS in October 2025.
📘 Learn More
For a full breakdown of commits, detailed changelogs, and download links for various platforms, visit the official release post on nodejs.org.
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