Nexe is a cross-platform binary bundler and compiler that packages Node.js applications and their dependencies into single standalone executables. It functions as a runtime compiler that can build the Node.js runtime from source with custom flags and application snapshots to enable software distribution without requiring a pre-installed runtime.
The system allows for cross-compilation across different operating systems and architectures from a single build environment. It includes a static asset bundler to embed external files and directories directly into the compiled binary for access at runtime.
The build process is managed through a pipeline that supports custom middleware and plugins to modify source code, integrate build patches, and resolve dependencies.