What is the primary purpose of Node.js?

The primary purpose of Node.js is to facilitate server-side scripting and build scalable network applications. This platform is designed to execute JavaScript code outside of a browser, allowing developers to create server-side logic and handle requests efficiently. Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, which makes it particularly well-suited for I/O-intensive operations such as web applications that require real-time data processing or handle multiple connections simultaneously. This architecture enables scalability, making it possible to build applications that can grow and manage large volumes of concurrent users effectively.

The key value that Node.js brings is its ability to use JavaScript both on the client-side and server-side, streamlining the development process by allowing developers to use a single programming language throughout the entire stack. This capability contributes to faster development cycles and reduces the complexity associated with switching between different languages for client and server-side code.

In contrast to the other options, Node.js does not focus on client-side scripting or enhancing HTML rendering speed, nor does it provide a graphical user interface for web applications. Instead, its strength lies in its capacity to handle asynchronous operations and serve as a robust foundation for building efficient and scalable network applications.