In JavaScript, the export keyword is used to export multiple things from a module. It allows you to specify which functions, objects, or variables should be accessible from outside the module. The import keyword is used for importing from modules, not exporting. The require and module keywords are used in CommonJS, a different module system.

The primary role of middleware in Express.js is to manage HTTP requests and responses. Middleware functions are executed in the order they are defined in the Express application and can perform various tasks such as authentication, logging, and modifying request/response objects. They play a crucial role in the request/response cycle.

The Event Loop in Node.js plays a crucial role in improving performance by efficiently handling asynchronous operations. It allows Node.js to execute non-blocking code, ensuring that the application remains responsive and can handle multiple concurrent requests without getting blocked.

To install all the dependencies listed in the package.json file, you should use the npm install command. It reads the dependencies specified in package.json and installs them. The other options are not used for this specific purpose.

To implement stringent security with CORS, you should use preflight requests with custom headers to allow only authorized clients. Option A is not secure as it allows any origin. Option C suggests avoiding CORS altogether, which may not be practical. Option D relies on IP filtering, which can be bypassed.

In Express.js middleware functions, the callback function parameters typically include req (the request object) and res (the response object). Additionally, you can use a next function to pass control to the next middleware function in the pipeline. This allows you to manipulate the request and response objects or perform actions before sending a response to the client.

The __proto__ property is used to access the prototype of an instance object in JavaScript. This is how objects inherit properties and methods from their constructor's prototype.

When using await expressions, errors can be propagated using standard try/catch blocks, which allows for more granular and flexible error handling. Chaining multiple .then() methods can lead to less readable and maintainable code when dealing with multiple asynchronous operations. It's not a question of efficiency or speed but rather about readability and error handling.

To minimize package-lock.json merge conflicts, you should use a tool like npm ci in your team's workflow. npm ci installs dependencies based on the package-lock.json and ensures consistent dependency resolution. Options 1 and 2 are not recommended, and option 4 is not a practical solution.

CORS preflight requests are sent by the browser before making certain types of requests, specifically those that could have an impact on server security or state. These preflight requests are used to check with the server if the actual request (e.g., a cross-origin POST request with custom headers) is allowed, ensuring server compatibility and security.

The significance of a returned inner function having access to the outer function's variables after the outer function has executed is that it enables data encapsulation and the creation of private variables. This is crucial for maintaining state and data privacy in JavaScript applications.

In JWT (JSON Web Tokens), the token is commonly stored in a request header, specifically in the Authorization header using the Bearer scheme. This method is considered secure and widely adopted. Storing the token in a cookie or URL query parameter can have security risks.