Upgrade Node.js/npm on the Build Server

Can Node.js 18.x be installed on the build server with the paired version of npm (currently 9.3.1)?

CoreCore Core is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. currently uses Node.js 14.x, which will reach EOL on April 30, 2023. Work is underway for both Core and GutenbergGutenberg The Gutenberg project is the new Editor Interface for WordPress. The editor improves the process and experience of creating new content, making writing rich content much simpler. It uses ‘blocks’ to add richness rather than shortcodes, custom HTML etc. https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/ to support 18.x (see Core Trac-56658 and this Gutenberg PR/Issue list). The changes needed to support 18.x are being made now with the aim of changing the actual version used in both locations prior the EOL date in a few months.

There are currently no plans to update older branches receiving minor or security releases at this time, so 14.x will need to remain on the server for the time being.

CC: @gziolo who I’ve been coordinating with on the Gutenberg side of things.

#prio2