Node.js in 2025 continues to be essential for backend development, supported by a diverse range of libraries and tools.
Top picks for authentication include JOSE, known for secure token management, and Passport.js, popular for its reliability and extensibility.
Data validation is crucial, with Zod offering type safety and compatibility, Valibot for minimalist power, and Joi for mature schema validation.
Prisma, Drizzle ORM, and Mongoose lead the ORMs for managing databases, providing developer-friendly features and strong support for different database systems.
Local development tools like tsup and Biome focus on speed and efficiency, while frameworks such as NestJS, Hono.js, and AdonisJS offer structure and performance.
Additional must-have tools like tRPC for building type-safe backends, BullMQ for handling background tasks, and Socket.IO for real-time features are highlighted.
In 2025, speed and efficiency are emphasized with tools like tsup and Biome, complemented by frameworks, ORMs, and validation libraries for a balanced stack.