The `util` module in Node.js provides a range of utility functions for tasks such as formatting strings, working with arrays and objects, and debugging. Key features include string manipulation, array and object utilities, and debugging tools. Essential functions like `inspect()`, `format()`, `isArray()`, and `isPlainObject()` can be used to improve code efficiency and maintainability.
Syntax errors occur during compilation and are usually caught before code runs, while runtime errors happen during execution and can be unpredictable. Catching syntax errors early saves time, but tackling runtime errors requires validation, exception handling, and debugging tools to prevent crashes and unexpected results.
