Nodejs 4.x is a converged version of Node 0.12.x and io.js 3.x. Io.js was originally developed due to a conflict between the Joyent team and Nodejs. Version 1.x was released in January 2015. You can see this changelog for a complete list of Nodejs releases.
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Node.js described when it announced that this function is that the 2 types of node.js types will fit your node.js needs.
LTS (long-term support, currently v.4.2.4) will support and service for at least 18 months. After 18 months, he will switch to a service mode, which can last 12 months. In this way, long-term support (often called LTS) guarantees application developers a 30-month support cycle with special versions of node.js.
Stable (currently v5.4.1) - Will be supported for approximately 8 months with the release of features / updates. Node.js v6 will eventually turn into a new version of LTS, which will have a similar support timeline for v4. Thus, we will get a new stable version of node.js every 6 months, and every second of them turns into an LTS line.
Node.js v0.10 and v0.12 are special cases in the LTS plan. v0.10 will go directly to service in October, lasting 12 months. v0.12 will have an initial LTS period of 6 months, starting in October, and then the required service for 12 months. There will be no official LTS support or support in io.js releases.
A source:
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/release/v5.0.0/
https://nodejs.org/en/blog/community/node-v5/
https://medium.com/@nodesource/essential-steps-long-term-support-for-node-js-8ecf7514dbd#.48y0ywbsp
https://github.com/nodejs/node/blob/master/COLLABORATOR_GUIDE.md
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