Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment built on Chrome V8 JavaScript engine. It allows developers to run JavaScript on the server side, enabling backend development with JavaScript.

Node.js is primarily used for building scalable and efficient server-side applications, such as: Web servers RESTful APIs Real-time applications (e.g., chat apps, gaming servers) Microservices Command-line tools Internet of Things (IoT) applications

You can install Node.js by downloading the installer from the official website at nodejs.org for your operating system. The Node Package Manager (NPM) is included with Node.js, so you’ll be able to manage packages as well.