Node.js provides a powerful interface to the underlying operating system through the global process object. This object represents the current Node.js process and acts as a bridge between your application and the environment in which it runs. You do not need to import or require anything to use the process object—it is available everywhere in your code by default.

The process object is essential in Node.js applications because it gives you access to runtime information, allows you to interact with the system, and lets you control the process itself. With process, you can read environment variables, determine the platform your code is running on, manage input and output streams, and even control how and when your application exits. As you build more advanced applications, understanding the process object will help you write code that is portable, robust, and responsive to its execution environment.