What are the differences between import and require in JavaScript?

What are the differences between import and require in JavaScript?

The main difference is that 'import' is part of ES6 modules, while 'require' is used in CommonJS. 'Import' is asynchronous and allows for static analysis, whereas 'require' is synchronous.

Can you explain why 'import' is asynchronous?

Sure! 'Import' statements are hoisted and can be loaded asynchronously, which means they don't block the execution of the code. This allows for better performance in applications.

What about the syntax differences?

The syntax for 'import' is more flexible. You can import specific parts of a module, like this: import { functionName } from 'module';. With 'require', you typically import the entire module: const module = require('module');.

Are there any scenarios where I should prefer one over the other?

Yes, if you're working with modern JavaScript and want to take advantage of features like tree-shaking, prefer 'import'. If you're maintaining older Node.js code, 'require' might be more appropriate.