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Node.js --prof
What it is
Node.js --prof is a command-line profiling option for Node.js, an asynchronous, event-driven JavaScript runtime for scalable network applications. The `--prof` option creates V8 profiler output, while `--prof-process` processes output generated by that option. Profiling is listed as sampling-based CPU profiling for JavaScript and C++. Node.js runs an input script, enters its event loop, and exits when no callbacks remain. Its HTTP model emphasizes streaming and low latency. The `child_process.fork()` API and `cluster` module can support work across multiple cores. Node.js supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployment, with desktop listed as its deployment model. The software is free, and the documentation is available at the listed Node.js website. Downloads include Current, LTS, EOL, nightly, and previous releases, plus a signed source tarball and SHASUMS verification instructions.
For and against
For
- Free plan
- Generates V8 profiler output
- Processes profiler output with --prof-process
- Supports JavaScript and C++ CPU profiling
- Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Against
- Sampling is the listed profiling mode
- Uses command-line options
- Official sources are advised for downloads
The verdict
Node.js --prof provides a focused way to generate and process V8 sampling profiles. Its free availability and broad platform support fit developers investigating CPU activity in Node.js applications.
Who it suits
It suits developers who need sampling-based CPU profiling for JavaScript or C++ applications running with Node.js. It is relevant to teams working on supported desktop platforms or self-hosted environments.
Plans and prices
Node.js --prof
Generate V8 profiler output
Read 8 Oct 2026 · nodejs.org
On the record
- Foundation mission
- The OpenJS Foundation says it works to make the web safe and modern and to support JavaScript projects and collaboration.openjsf.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The download page identifies the OpenJS Foundation and Node.js contributors in its copyright notice.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Multi-core use
- The `child_process.fork()` API and `cluster` module can support work across multiple cores.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Networking
- Node.js describes HTTP as a first-class citizen designed with streaming and low latency in mind.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Official sources
- Node.js advises using official sources and says to avoid trusting unofficial binaries or downloads.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Process output
- The `--prof-process` option processes profiler output generated using V8's `--prof` option.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Profiler output
- The `--prof` CLI option generates V8 profiler output.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Node.js is an asynchronous event-driven JavaScript runtime designed to build scalable network applications.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Release channels
- The download page lists Current, LTS, and EOL release versions, as well as nightly binaries and previous releases.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Runtime model
- Node.js enters the event loop after executing the input script and exits it when no callbacks remain.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- Node.js security bugs can be reported through HackerOne, and the project says it no longer has a bug bounty program.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security response
- The security page says reports are normally acknowledged within 5 days, with a more detailed response within 10 days.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Signed downloads
- The download page offers a signed Node.js source tarball and links to instructions for verifying signed SHASUMS.nodejs.org · read 8 Oct 2026
