​The JavaScript runtime environment has witnessed a competition, for advancements and enhancements with the arrival of Deno and Bun. Initially hailed as the &#8216;Node killer&#8217; Deno made an impact due to its built in TypeScript support and URL based package manager. However deno vs bun 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 &#8216;Deno killer&#8217; 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.
<h2>Deno: Pioneering New Frontiers</h2>
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.
<h2>Bun: A New Contender Arises</h2>
Just as Deno was gaining traction Bun entered the scene with promises of performance and built in npm support, from the start. deno vs bun
Buns initial compatibility, with npm packages gave it an advantage making it an appealing choice for developers already immersed in the npm ecosystem.
<h2>Denos Game Changing NPM Integration</h2>
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&#8217;s how you can make the most of this feature:
1. Update to Deno 1.28: Make sure you&#8217;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.
<h2>Creating an Express API with Deno</h2>
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 &#8220;Deno run&#8221; 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&#8221; or &#8220;package.json&#8221; files.
<h2>The Intellisense Challenge in Deno</h2>
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&#8217;t ship with their type definitions.
<h2>Running CLI Tools in Deno</h2>
Another feature of Denos integration with npm is its ability to execute CLI tools to &#8220;npx&#8221; commands:
Executing CLI Commands; Utilize the &#8220;Deno run&#8221; command followed by the npm specifier to execute various CLI tools thereby enhancing the versatility of Deno, in different development scenarios.
<h2>Practical example</h2>
<code>// main.ts</code>
<code>// Ensure you have Deno 1.28 or later installed</code>
<code>// Import Express from npm</code>
<code>import express from 'npm:express@4.17.1';</code>
<code>// Initialize the Express application</code>
<code>const app = express();</code>
<code>// Define a simple GET endpoint</code>
<code>app.get('/', (req, res) =&gt; {</code>
<code>    res.send('Hello from Express on Deno!');</code>
<code>});</code>
<code>// Specify the port</code>
<code>const PORT = 3000;</code>
<code>// Start the server</code>
<code>app.listen(PORT, () =&gt; {</code>
<code>    console.log(`Server running on http://localhost:${PORT}`);</code>
<code>});</code>
<code>// Run this application in Deno using:</code>
<code>// deno run –allow-net main.ts</code>
This snippet creates a basic Express.js server that listens on port 3000 and responds with a &#8216;Hello from Express on Deno!&#8217; 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.
<h2>Caveats and Considerations</h2>
While Deno&#8217;s npm support deno vs bun  is a significant milestone, there are caveats:
– Compatibility Issues: Some npm packages may not be fully compatible due to Node&#8217;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.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
The addition of npm support to Deno marks a significant evolution in the JavaScript runtime environment. It bridges the gap between Deno&#8217;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.
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Blog Details

Deno vs Bun: The Evolution of JavaScript Runtimes and NPM Integration