What is LTS releases of Node.js why should you care ?

Node.js is a powerful and popular open-source runtime environment for JavaScript that allows developers to build scalable, high-performance web applications. One of the key features of Node.js is its ability to receive updates and new versions regularly, which can bring new features, improvements, and bug fixes to the platform.

However, not all updates are created equal, and one of the most important distinctions in the Node.js ecosystem is the difference between LTS (Long-Term Support) releases and standard releases. In this article, we will explore what LTS releases are, why they are important, and how you can take advantage of them as a developer.

What are LTS releases in Node.js?

LTS releases, also known as “stable” releases, are versions of Node.js that are designated for long-term support. This means that they are more stable and reliable than standard releases, which are meant for testing and experimentation. LTS releases are intended for use in production environments, where stability and reliability are critical.

In contrast, standard releases are meant for developers who want to try out the latest and greatest features of Node.js. These releases are often less stable and may contain bugs or other issues that have not yet been fixed. While standard releases can be useful for testing and experimentation, they are generally not recommended for use in production environments.

Why should you care about LTS releases?

As a developer, you should care about LTS releases because they offer a number of important benefits:

• Stability and reliability: As mentioned above, LTS releases are more stable and reliable than standard releases. This means that you can use them with confidence in production environments, knowing that they are less likely to break or cause issues.
• Long-term support: LTS releases are supported for a longer period of time than standard releases. This means that you can continue using them for a longer period of time without worrying about losing support or having to upgrade to a new version.
• Security patches: LTS releases receive security patches and updates for a longer period of time than standard releases. This is important because it means that you can continue to use an LTS release with confidence, knowing that it is secure and up-to-date.
• Enterprise-grade support: Some LTS releases also offer enterprise-grade support, which can be useful for large organizations that rely on Node.js for mission-critical applications.
• Compatibility: LTS releases are generally more compatible with third-party libraries and tools than standard releases, which can save you time and frustration when building applications.

How to use LTS releases in your projects:

To use an LTS release in your Node.js projects, you will need to install it on your development machine. You can do this using the Node.js Package Manager (npm), which is included with Node.js.

For example, to install the latest LTS release of Node.js, you can use the following command:

npm install -g node@lts

This will install the latest LTS release of Node.js and make it available on your machine. You can then use it to create and run Node.js applications as you normally would.

You can also specify a specific LTS release to install by using its version number. For example, to install the LTS release of Node.js 10.x, you can use the following command:

npm install -g node@10.x

Here, x can be replaceable by any released version of node to install it into your system.