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Node.js's ecosystem is the largest package ecosystem in the world, with over 2 million packages on npm. Managing npm dependency health — outdated packages, CVEs in transitive dependencies, EOL package versions — is a continuous challenge for Node.js teams. ReleaseRun provides free browser-based tools for npm dependency audits and Node.js version tracking.

Node.js Dependency Health Checkers

package.json Health Checker

The package.json Health Checker is the primary tool for Node.js projects. Paste your package.json and get an instant report covering: packages with known CVEs (via the npm security advisory database and NVD), packages pinned to EOL major versions, outdated packages with new major versions available, and packages with abandoned maintenance.

Node.js LTS Schedule

Node.js releases LTS (Long Term Support) versions on even-numbered majors. Each LTS version receives 30 months of total support. The Node.js Release History page covers the full LTS schedule.

Current Node.js status:

  • Node.js 22 LTS (October 2024) — Active LTS; EOL April 2027
  • Node.js 20 LTS — Active LTS; EOL April 2026
  • Node.js 18 LTS — Maintenance; EOL April 2025
  • Node.js 16 — EOL September 2023 (no patches)

Node.js Runtime Alternatives

Two alternative JavaScript runtimes have gained significant traction:

  • Bun — Go/Zig-based runtime with faster startup, built-in TypeScript support, compatible npm registry. Bun release history.
  • Deno — TypeScript-first runtime from Ryan Dahl with secure-by-default permissions and Node.js compatibility in Deno 2. Deno release history.

npm Security

npm's ecosystem size makes supply chain security a major concern. Key practices: audit dependencies with npm audit or ReleaseRun's checker, use lockfiles (package-lock.json or yarn.lock), pin GitHub Actions to commit SHAs, and review new dependencies for typosquatting before installing.

All Node.js Tools on ReleaseRun