Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that enables developers to create server-side applications with JavaScript. Unlike other web development frameworks, Node.js does not use a traditional web server (like Apache or Nginx) to handle requests. Instead, it uses a single-threaded, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient.
For example, Node.js can be used to create a web application that allows users to upload files to a server. The Node.js server would handle the file upload request without the need for a web server. This makes Node.js a great choice for applications that require real-time communication and fast response times.