#deno vs node

The JavaScript runtime environment has witnessed a competition, for advancements and enhancements with the arrival of Deno and Bun. Initially hailed as the ‘Node killer’ Deno made an impact due to its built in TypeScript support and URL based package manager. However its inability to utilize npm packages was seen as a drawback until recently. This landscape evolved further with the emergence of Bun, which has been labeled as the ‘Deno killer’ by integrating npm package support from the beginning. This blog delves into these developments focusing on Denos integration of npm and its implications for JavaScript development.

Deno: Pioneering New Frontiers

Deno, conceived by Ryan Dahl, the founder of Node.js brought a perspective to JavaScript runtimes. Its focus on security, ES modules and native TypeScript support quickly captured attention. Nonetheless the lack of npm package support proved to be a limitation that hindered some developers from choosing Deno over Node.js. This limitation was especially felt in projects where npm packages played a role.

Bun: A New Contender Arises

Just as Deno was gaining traction Bun entered the scene with promises of performance and built in npm support, from the start.

Buns initial compatibility, with npm packages gave it an advantage making it an appealing choice for developers already immersed in the npm ecosystem.

Denos Game Changing NPM Integration

In an announcement Deno introduced a groundbreaking update: version 1.28 now supports npm. This is a development that could potentially reshape its adoption and usage. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature:

1. Update to Deno 1.28: Make sure you’re using the version. If not update by running `Deno upgrade`.

2. Set Up Your Project: Create a file called `main.ts` and initialize your workspace with the Deno VS Code extension.

3. Import npm Packages: Access npm packages by importing them as ES modules using an npm prefix.

This advancement effectively removes one of the obstacles to adoption of Deno allowing developers to leverage the extensive library of existing npm packages.

Creating an Express API with Deno

To demonstrate Denos integration with npm lets consider building an Express.js API:

1.Import Express: Import Express.js into your Deno project, as an ES module.

2.Create an API Endpoint: Develop a GET endpoint. Set it to listen on your preferred port.

3. Execute Your Application: Utilize the “Deno run” command to run your application. Deno will automatically. Cache any dependencies while also requesting permissions to ensure security.

This process highlights the simplicity and cleanliness of developing with Deno without the need, for node_modules” or “package.json” files.

The Intellisense Challenge in Deno

One challenge that arises when using JavaScript based npm packages in Deno is the absence of TypeScript types, which can impact IDE intellisense. However this issue can be resolved by:

Adding a Deno Types Directive; Indicate the type definitions for the npm package to enable functionality within your IDE. This step becomes necessary for packages that don’t ship with their type definitions.

Running CLI Tools in Deno

Another feature of Denos integration with npm is its ability to execute CLI tools to “npx” commands:

Executing CLI Commands; Utilize the “Deno run” command followed by the npm specifier to execute various CLI tools thereby enhancing the versatility of Deno, in different development scenarios.

Practical example

// main.ts// Ensure you have Deno 1.28 or later installed// Import Express from npmimport express from 'npm:[email protected]';// Initialize the Express applicationconst app = express();// Define a simple GET endpointapp.get('/', (req, res) => { res.send('Hello from Express on Deno!');});// Specify the portconst PORT = 3000;// Start the serverapp.listen(PORT, () => { console.log(`Server running on http://localhost:${PORT}`);});// Run this application in Deno using:// deno run --allow-net main.ts

This snippet creates a basic Express.js server that listens on port 3000 and responds with a ‘Hello from Express on Deno!’ message when the root URL is accessed. To run this server, use the `deno run — allow-net main.ts` command in the terminal. This command will download the required dependencies (in this case, Express.js) and start the server.

Remember, this example assumes that you have Deno version 1.28 or later installed, as that version introduces npm package support in Deno.

Caveats and Considerations

While Deno’s npm support is a significant milestone, there are caveats:

- Compatibility Issues: Some npm packages may not be fully compatible due to Node’s non-standard module system.

- Limitations with Compile Command: Deno’s compile command, used for creating self-contained executables, currently doesn’t work with npm integration.

Conclusion

The addition of npm support to Deno marks a significant evolution in the JavaScript runtime environment. It bridges the gap between Deno’s innovative features and the extensive npm ecosystem, offering developers the best of both worlds. As the JavaScript community continues to grow and diversify, runtimes like Deno and Bun are pivotal in shaping the future of web development, driving forward with new features, improved performance, and greater flexibility.

Javascript is not a new name. It is the most popular and frequently used data processing language that runs on every system. Many developers have been extensively skilled in the JavaScript language, and thus it has been continuously improving and evolving. 

Node.js has been a widely used platform that successfully represents JavaScript everywhere. We have to admit that Node.js has transformed the screenplay of web development and allows developers to use JavaScript for backend development. Node.js has a large number of users and the largest developer community. But soon, Javascript also launched Deno, and soon people started assuming that Deno would replace node.js. Therefore, a clash of Deno vs Node.js is bound to happen. And why shouldn't they? After all, the developer of both Deno and Node.js happens to be the same person—Ryan Dahl. So, to clear all the clouds of confusion, today we will be talking about Deno vs Node.js, Deno vs Node.js performance, and which one is better. Let’s get started! Node.js vs Deno: A Quick Overview Before giving any comparison, let’s have a quick overview of both. Both Deno and Node.js are runtime environments, and as I mentioned earlier, they were created by the same person. What Is Deno? First, to be clear, Deno is not a sub-branch of Node.js. It is a newly discovered runtime for carrying out JavaScript and TypeScript outside the web browser. The V8 JavaScript engine powers the Deno, and the core of the Deno is built in the Rust language. Deno was introduced by Ryan Dahl in 2018 during a presentation on the topic “10 things I regret about Node.js.” Deno was designed especially to control modern JavaScript and address various essential areas of Node.js. The aim of Deno is to streamline modules and build systems and offer a fast and secure server-side scripting environment. How To Install It What Is Node.js? Node.js is also a back-end, open-source, cross-platform JavaScript environment. It sports a V8 engine and brings off Java script code outwards from the web browser. It provides nonparallel I/O and an event-run build that makes Node.js super agile and appropriate for scalable, real-time web applications. Node.js comprises a large client base and it contains top organizations such as IBM, LinkedIn, Netflix, Microsoft, PayPal, Walmart, GoDaddy, AWS, and many more. It can be used for various purposes, but it is generally used for developing web servers and networking tools using JavaScript. Deno vs Node.js: How Are They Different From Each Other?

Security One of the main goals of Deno is to guarantee end-users the safety and security that Node.js failed to deliver. Thus, Deno is secured by default. It means the program operating with Deno has no file, or network ingress unless it is mentioned. In Deno, the developer has to give access to an implementing script through command-line flags or dead-on runtime permission similar to the browser execution. Deno by default limits the file system and network access to run the codes in the secure sandbox. However, Node.js permits access to the network and file systems, thus, in turn, making them susceptible to severe security concerns. When you work on Node.js, you will detect many such security issues that should be fixed to prevent your application from a ransomware attack. Package Management In Deno, the packages are integrated directly into the URL, which is contrary to Node’s npm. Deno goes for local or remote dependencies using links similar to the browsers. Whereas, nom is the default package manager of Node.js. It is utilized to install and optimize public and private third-party packages. This online information on the package is called the npm registry. APIs Node.js was introduced before the concept of JavaScript for async. Because of this, a majority of the APIs were introduced to support error-first retrieval. This exercise leads to wordy and clumsy codes. However, the Node.js programmers have ingressed the async syntax and they have to manage the backward affinity through APIs. In Deno, things are nothing like this. It fosters modern JavaScript features and uses async functions. The Rust programming language offers promising abstractions called "Futures." Because of this, Deno makes it easier for developers to incorporate futuristic APIs into JavaScript. First-Class Typescript Support TypeScript is a prolongation of JavaScript that permits customers to offer type data. Deno carries TypeScript out of the box by using a TypeScript compiler with caching techniques. Node.js packages are encrypted in JavaScript. It does not have first-class typescript assistance, but it has prevalent typescript that is extensively used in the Node.js world. Since Typescript is an umbrella term of Javascript, Deno can also drive it: Module Deno employs the ES module as a default module structure. The ES modules are the general format for bundling JavaScript code. Node.js makes use of the CommonJS standard. Node.js does support the ES module, but it is in an experimental stage. Community Node.js inholds the largest, most dynamic, innovative, and open-source communities all around the world. And it is all designed and maintained by the community. Therefore, most programmers use Node.js and run thousands upon thousands of apps. However, Deno is the new player in the market and it is still in the evolving and growing phase.

Can Deno Replace Node.js?

This question has been revolving from the very first day since the launch of Deno.

Well, let’s answer this question.

Deno is definitely better in some situations but inferior in others. So, to answer your question, you have to recognize your circumstances and requirements before making any decisions.

And Deno has undoubtedly displaced Node.js.

Deno is not a regular upgrade of Node.js. Even its developer, Dahl, has stated in several interviews that Deno is an alternative rather than a replacement for Node.js.

And surely in the future, Deno will attract many programmers.

To Sum Up!

The Deno vs Node.js competition is always interesting to watch, especially after knowing that they are both developed by the same developer.

Programmers use Deno for one set of tasks and Node.js for another. Because both are capable of tremendous backend development opportunities.

There is still time for Deno to grow, and it won’t replace Node.js that easily.

I am saying this because if you have read the whole article, then you know that Deno is still like a baby in front of the huge Node.js community. Moreover, Deno has a bright future.

What’s your point of view on this debate of Node.js vs Deno?

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