What are the differences between CommonJS and ES Modules?

What are the differences between CommonJS and ES Modules?

CommonJS and ES Modules are two module systems in JavaScript. CommonJS is used primarily in Node.js, while ES Modules are the standard for JavaScript in browsers. CommonJS uses require() to import modules and module.exports to export them, whereas ES Modules use import and export syntax.

Can you explain how the import/export syntax works in ES Modules?

Sure! In ES Modules, you can export variables, functions, or classes using the export keyword. For example, export const myVar = 5;. To import it in another file, you would use import { myVar } from './myModule.js';.

What are the benefits of using ES Modules over CommonJS?

ES Modules support static analysis, which allows for better optimization and tree-shaking. They also have a more modern syntax and are natively supported in browsers, making them more suitable for front-end development.

Are there any compatibility issues between the two?

Yes, there can be compatibility issues. CommonJS modules are synchronous and can be used in Node.js, while ES Modules are asynchronous and may require a transpiler like Babel for older environments. Mixing them can lead to unexpected behavior.