Node.js has forked into a new open source project named Ayo.js (pronounced as “IO”). Ayo.js, is available on Github (https://github.com/ayojs/ayo) now and here is the description.
Note: Ayo.js is forked from Node.js. Currently, a lot of the documentation still points towards the Node.js repository.
Ayo.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. Ayo.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient. The Ayo.js package ecosystem, npm, is the largest ecosystem of open source libraries in the world.
Now, let’s take a look at the definition of Node.js on Github as well:
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine. Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient. The Node.js package ecosystem, npm, is the largest ecosystem of open source libraries in the world.
This is not the first time Node.js has forked into a major project. Previously, IO.js was also forked from Node.js but later it was merged back to Node.js.
The main reason for the fork seems to be some management issues in the organization. One of the Node TSC members, Myles Borins announced to Step down from NodeJS TSC via Medium, where he writes:
“A recent decision by the TSC leads me to believe that the Technical Steering Committee is making decisions that are not in the best interest of the Node.js project. This is not about a specific individual, this is about the values we choose to demonstrate as a project and holding ourselves accountable.”
The issue seems to be around the code of conduct.
Borins continues:
“The current decision undermines our Conduct Guidelines, drives away potential contributors, and in my opinion undermines the Committee’s ability to govern.”