Node.js EOL (End of Life) and Mitigation Strategies

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1. Node.js Support Lifecycle

Node.js follows a release schedule, and each version goes through three phases before reaching EOL (End of Life):

  • Current (Latest Release): Receives feature updates for about six months.
  • LTS (Long-Term Support): Enters a long-term support phase (approximately 30 months) with security and bug fixes.
  • EOL (End of Life): No further support. Using an EOL version is strongly discouraged due to security risks.

2. Node.js EOL Schedule

As of March 2025, the EOL schedule for Node.js versions is as follows (check the official site for the latest updates):

VersionLTS StartLTS End (EOL)
18.x (LTS)October 2022April 2025
20.x (LTS)October 2023April 2026
21.x (Current)October 2023April 2024
22.x (Planned)April 2024October 2024 (LTS transition, EOL in April 2027)

🚨 Node.js 18.x will reach EOL in April 2025, requiring an upgrade.

3. Required Actions Before EOL

Using an unsupported Node.js version poses security risks and compatibility issues. The following actions are recommended:

1. Upgrade to the Latest LTS Version

  • As of March 2025, Node.js 20.x (LTS) is the recommended version.
  • If using Node.js 18.x, migrate to 20.x before April 2025.

Upgrade Instructions:

# Check the current version
node -v

# Upgrade to Node.js 20.x using Node Version Manager (NVM)
nvm install 20
nvm use 20
nvm alias default 20
  • Using nvm (Node Version Manager) allows seamless version switching.

2. Check Dependency Compatibility

  • Update package.json engines field to reflect the new Node.js version.
  • Run npm outdated to identify deprecated or unsupported packages.
  • Execute npm audit to check for security vulnerabilities.
  • Ensure that frameworks (e.g., Vue.js, Express, NestJS) are updated to compatible versions.

3. Adjust CI/CD Pipelines and Testing

  • Update the node --version setting in CI/CD workflows.
  • Run unit tests and E2E tests to validate compatibility.
  • Update Docker images (node:18 → node:20) in production environments.

4. Enhance Security

  • Run npm audit fix to address security vulnerabilities.
  • Use npx npm-check-updates -u to update outdated dependencies.
  • Monitor Node.js Security Releases for security advisories.

4. Summary

ActionDescription
Upgrade Node.jsMigrate to the latest LTS before EOL (e.g., 18.x → 20.x)
Check DependenciesRun npm outdated and npm audit to identify issues
Update CI/CDAdjust workflows and test builds for compatibility
Strengthen SecurityApply npm audit fix and update dependencies

Be proactive! Upgrade Node.js before EOL to ensure security and stability.