Friendship ended with Deno, now Node is my best friend
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Hacker News
A developer discusses their return to the Node.js ecosystem after a long period of using Deno. The shift highlights improvements in Node's modern API support and the developer's preference for tools like FNM over traditional package management.
The Return to Node.js: A Shift in the Runtime Landscape
In a recent shift of preference, a developer has announced a return to Node.js after a prolonged period of utilizing Deno as their primary JavaScript runtime. This move, prompted by a SvelteKit project, highlights a significant evolution in the Node.js ecosystem. The developer notes that the platform has matured considerably, shedding much of the technical debt that previously made it seem cumbersome compared to newer alternatives.
Modernizing the Node Experience
The core of this transition lies in the modernization of Node.js APIs. The developer observes that Node now supports modern ECMAScript standards, effectively reducing the need for the antiquated require() syntax that once dominated the ecosystem. This shift towards native support for ES modules aligns Node more closely with modern web development practices, making it a more attractive option for developers who prioritize cleaner, more readable codebases.
The Lingering Shadow of Oracle
An interesting aspect of this analysis is the mention of the ongoing Oracle trademark dispute regarding the 'JavaScript' naming conventions. This legal context has cast a long shadow over the community, serving as a reminder of the historical complexities surrounding the language's development and licensing. The developer suggests that this ongoing friction remains a point of concern for the long-term health and naming conventions within the broader JS ecosystem.
Navigating Package Management
The transition also touches upon the perennial issue of package management. The developer highlights the frustration with the official Node documentation, which often suggests piping scripts directly into bash—a practice widely considered a security risk. To mitigate these issues, the developer has opted for Fast Node Manager (FNM) instead of the traditional Node Version Manager (NVM). This reflects a broader trend in the developer community toward seeking faster, more secure, and more reliable tooling for version management.
Implications for the Runtime Wars
This migration back to Node.js is not merely a personal preference but indicative of a maturing landscape. While Deno offered a compelling, security-first vision, Node.js has successfully adopted many of the features that developers craved. By modernizing its internal APIs and providing robust support for the latest ECMAScript features, Node.js has reinforced its position as the industry standard, proving that the 'runtime wars' often lead to a net benefit for all developers through the cross-pollination of features and improvements.