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Why Node.js 22 was the issue’s main story
The Bytes editors framed Node.js 22 as a release with changes developers might notice in everyday work. Their three featured capabilities addressed common friction points: mixing CommonJS and ES modules, restarting a process during development, and running package scripts. The Node.js Project’s release announcement provides the important status details: two capabilities were experimental, while watch mode became stable.
The issue also compared Node’s feature availability with Bun, saying Bun had offered the highlighted capabilities earlier. That is the newsletter author’s framing, not a performance comparison or independent benchmark.
What the three highlighted features do
Experimental require() support for synchronous ES modules
Node.js 22 introduced experimental support for loading certain ES module graphs with require(), behind the --experimental-require-module flag. The graph had to be synchronous: the module needed to be explicitly marked as ES module code, and the path did not support top-level await. This was not a general switch that made every ES module loadable through require(). Node.js 22 release announcement.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Stable watch mode
The --watch option became stable in Node.js 22. It lets Node restart a running process when watched files change, which can reduce the need to stop and relaunch a development command manually. Stability is the key distinction: this was no longer labeled experimental in the release announcement.
Experimental task runner with node --run
Node.js 22 added the experimental node --run command for running scripts from a project’s package.json. It offers a built-in way to invoke package scripts without relying on a separate package manager for that task. The release announcement explicitly described the feature as experimental, so it should not be confused with a mature, universal replacement for package managers or their broader workflows. Node.js 22 release announcement.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Other Node.js 22 changes in the official announcement
Beyond the three features Bytes emphasized, the Node.js Project highlighted several changes that broadened the release’s appeal:
- Browser-compatible WebSocket client: enabled by default, giving Node applications a built-in client API.
- Filesystem globbing:
node:fsgainedglobandglobSyncAPIs for matching file paths. - V8 update: Node.js 22 included V8 12.4.
These are release-announcement details, not claims that every Node project should change its dependencies or architecture. Whether a built-in API is useful depends on an application’s requirements and existing tooling. Node.js 22 release announcement.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The rest of the May 2, 2024 roundup
Issue 285 was a newsletter roundup rather than a single tutorial. Its other selections included an article about using CSS Grid for music notation, Scribe’s project for rendering music in HTML, the Svelte 5 release-candidate announcement, a React Aria release, and Threlte, which combines Three.js and Svelte. It also linked to coverage of the Popover API, Vite, and other tools. These are links the issue chose in 2024, not a present-day ranking or endorsement.
The issue described the Popover API as fully supported across browsers. A dated example is Firefox 125, released April 16, 2024, whose release notes confirm full support and cite uses including action menus, toast notifications, form suggestions, and content pickers. That Firefox-specific release note does not establish the status of every browser version today. Firefox 125 release notes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A short console tip in the issue recommends logging an object with console.log({ name }) to show the value with its property label. The roundup also contains sponsored placements and a conference-ticket promotion; those are part of the issue’s publication context, not technical evidence about Node.js 22.
Sources
- Bytes archive entry for Issue 285
- Node.js Project: Node.js 22 release announcement
- MDN: Firefox 125 release notes
- Scribe repository
- Svelte 5 release-candidate announcement
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