nexe

Nexe is a command-line tool in the Node.js ecosystem that compiles a Node.js application into a standalone executable by embedding a Node.js runtime within a single binary. The produced executable can run on target platforms without requiring a separate Node.js installation.

It works by packaging the application code together with a compatible Node.js runtime into one binary. Users specify an entry point file and can choose the output filename, the target platform, and the Node.js version. Nexe supports building for Windows, macOS, and Linux from the host development environment, though cross-compilation behavior may vary by setup. It can bundle additional assets and resources into the executable, using configurable file globs or explicit lists.

Usage generally involves installing nexe and then invoking the CLI with the entry script, such as nexe app.js -o myapp. Options typically include selecting the target platform and architecture, choosing a Node.js version, and enabling local builds. The tool produces a single binary suitable for distribution and does not require a separate Node.js installation at runtime.

Limitations include increased binary size, potential startup latency, and challenges with native modules that depend on system libraries. The approach also ties the output to a specific host environment for builds and may necessitate rebuilding for each target platform or Node version. Nexe is one of several packaging options for Node.js apps, alongside other tools that create standalone executables or installers.