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Node.js --prof

nodejs.org

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Spec score 7.7 #15 of 29 in Profiling Software

What it is

Node.js --prof is a command-line option that generates V8 profiler output for examining CPU activity. The related --prof-process option processes output produced by --prof. The listed profiling mode is sampling, and CPU profiling is supported for JavaScript and C++. Node.js itself is an asynchronous, event-driven JavaScript runtime designed for building scalable network applications.

After an input script runs, Node.js enters its event loop and exits when no callbacks remain. Its documentation describes HTTP as a first-class citizen designed with streaming and low latency in mind. The child_process.fork() API and cluster module can support work across multiple cores. Node.js is available for Linux, macOS and Windows, with a desktop deployment model and a free plan. Its download page lists Current, LTS and EOL releases, nightly binaries and previous releases, and offers a signed source tarball with verification instructions for signed SHASUMS. Node.js advises using official sources rather than unofficial binaries or downloads.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Node.js is an asynchronous event-driven JavaScript runtime designed to build scalable network applications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Foundation mission
The OpenJS Foundation says it works to make the web safe and modern and to support JavaScript projects and collaboration.Read 8 Oct 2026 · openjsf.org
Maintainer
The download page identifies the OpenJS Foundation and Node.js contributors in its copyright notice.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Multi-core use
The `child_process.fork()` API and `cluster` module can support work across multiple cores.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Networking
Node.js describes HTTP as a first-class citizen designed with streaming and low latency in mind.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Official sources
Node.js advises using official sources and says to avoid trusting unofficial binaries or downloads.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Process output
The `--prof-process` option processes profiler output generated using V8's `--prof` option.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Profiler output
The `--prof` CLI option generates V8 profiler output.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Release channels
The download page lists Current, LTS, and EOL release versions, as well as nightly binaries and previous releases.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Runtime model
Node.js enters the event loop after executing the input script and exits it when no callbacks remain.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
Security reporting
Node.js security bugs can be reported through HackerOne, and the project says it no longer has a bug bounty program.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security response
The security page says reports are normally acknowledged within 5 days, with a more detailed response within 10 days.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Signed downloads
The download page offers a signed Node.js source tarball and links to instructions for verifying signed SHASUMS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org

Plans and prices

Node.js --prof Free Generate V8 profiler output Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org

Every Node.js --prof plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Generates V8 profiler output through --prof.
  • Processes profiler output with --prof-process.
  • Supports CPU profiling for JavaScript and C++.
  • Available at free.

Limits

  • Profiling mode is sampling.
  • Unofficial binaries and downloads are discouraged.

Who it suits

It suits developers who need sampling-based CPU profiling for JavaScript or C++ in Node.js. The listed platforms are Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Node.js --prof provides a specific path to generate and process sampling profiler output. Its stated profiling scope is CPU activity for JavaScript and C++.

Where Specifiction places it

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