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Node.js is a cross-platform, open source runtime environment for executing JavaScript code outside of the browser. It is event-driven and works on a non-blocking I/O model, making it lightweight and efficient for building web applications. The rising popularity has also produced a wave of open source projects and tools to help developers work with the environment. A good number of tools that can help in everyday development – CMS, chats, spreadsheets, form validation and other libraries – are also available.