Is Node.js a good choice for creating a simple .exe program?

Node.js isn't your best bet for this. If you want to use JavaScript or TypeScript along with HTML and CSS, Tauri would be a good way to go. For an even simpler .exe without a GUI, you might want to consider using Go instead. Don't go with Python, as Node.js can wrap it into an exe, but it'll be more complicated than just making a simple one.

Seriously, just don't go with Node.js for this. If you really want a super basic .exe, there are much easier options out there.

If your goal is to create a straightforward desktop .exe, you can use Node.js, but it might not be the simplest starter option. Node is better for web servers or automation tasks. To convert it into an exe, you'd need tools like pkg or Electron, which add extra complexity. For a basic GUI app, Python with Tkinter is really beginner-friendly and you can make an EXE easily with PyInstaller. C# with WinForms is also a solid choice. If you prefer JavaScript and don't mind the added bulk, Node with Electron could work, but for least hassle, Python is usually the way to go.

While JavaScript is fantastic for web development, it's not ideal for desktop apps. I'd suggest going with Python for building your exe, or even better, C# with WinForms. It makes for a smoother experience.

Could you define what you mean by 'super basic'? This simple C code would compile into an .exe easily:
`#include `
`int main() {`
`printf("Hello World");`
`return 0;`
`}`