io.js forks Node.js, then merges back (2014-2015)
Node.js governance stalled as maintainer Joyent resisted faster releases. Core contributors forked the project as io.js in December 2014, shipping on their own schedule. In September 2015 the Node.js Foundation formed and io.js merged back into Node.js.
The community reunited under a neutral foundation with more open governance.
The fork forced Node.js to adopt faster releases and broader participation.
Dahl cited io.js as precedent for Deno continuing via community fork after official support ends. The history shows a fork can succeed without splitting the project permanently.
