What is V8 and what does it do in Node.js?
V8 is Google's JavaScript engine that compiles JavaScript to machine code using JIT compilation. Node.js uses V8 to run JavaScript on the server, which is why Node.js is fast.
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More FAQs in V8 Engine Interview Questions for Node.js Developers
Just-in-time compilation. V8 uses an interpreter (Ignition) for fast startup and an optimizing compiler (TurboFan) for hot code. This two-tier system balances startup speed with long-term performance.
Internal structures V8 uses to track object shapes. Adding or deleting properties after creation changes the hidden class and deoptimizes code. Initializing objects with all properties at creation keeps hidden classes stable.
V8 uses a generational garbage collector: young objects collected often (minor GC), old objects collected less often (major GC). Leaks happen from forgotten references like event listeners and unbounded caches.
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