Node.js, as a runtime environment for JavaScript, offers several benefits for web application development: 1. Fast and Scalable 2. Single Language Use 3. Vast Ecosystem 4. Asynchronous and Non-Blocking I/O 5. Scalability 6. Community Support and Active Development 7. Cross-Platform Compatibility 8. Real-Time Applications Overall, Node.js development offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred choice for building high-performing, scalable, and real-time web applications.