Jeff Atwood's Prediction on JavaScript

• 2007 Prediction: Jeff Atwood predicted that any application that can be written in JavaScript will eventually be written in JavaScript.
• Current Reality: Almost 20 years later, JavaScript is ubiquitous:
  • Runs on browsers, servers, desktops, smartwatches, smart fridges, CI/CD pipelines, routers, and even malware.

JavaScript and Cybersecurity

• Use in Malware: NodeJS is popular among cybercriminals for its ability to bypass antivirus programs.
  • Tools used: Edit registry keys, launch PowerShells, schedule background tasks.
• Microsoft Report: NodeJS highlighted as a top tool for cybercriminals.

Node.js 24 Release Highlights

• V8 Version 13.6: Aligns with the latest JavaScript standards.
• Regular Expressions Escape: Safer user input escapes are now possible.
• Float 16 Array: Useful for performance-sensitive tasks like machine learning and image processing.
• Concurrency Improvements:
  • Atomics pause
  • Web assembly memory 64
• Await Using: Part of the explicit resource management proposal.
  • Allows auto-closure of files, sockets, and resources.
• Error is Error: Checks if something is an error; an improvement over instanceof.

Permission Model and Security

• Evolving Feature: Signal flag evolving towards stability.
• Sandboxing: Control over script access to files, networks, environment.

Additional Updates in Node.js 24

• URL Pattern: Now global for easier URL matching.
• Test Runner Improvements: Subtests automatically awaited, reducing bugs.
• HTTP Improvements: Faster and more compliant HTTP experience under fetch.
• NPM Version 11: Faster installs and improved security checks.

Conclusion

• Node.js 24 brings significant improvements and capabilities, enhancing both performance and security.
• Encourages further exploration of resources like a second channel or additional videos.