What are the differences between ES Modules and CommonJS?

What are the differences between ES Modules and CommonJS?

ES Modules (ESM) and CommonJS (CJS) are two module systems in JavaScript. ESM uses import and export syntax, while CJS uses require and module.exports. ESM is asynchronous and supports static analysis, whereas CJS is synchronous.

Can you explain the benefits of using ES Modules?

Sure! ES Modules allow for better optimization by enabling tree-shaking, which removes unused code. They also support asynchronous loading, improving performance in web applications.

Are there any compatibility issues with ES Modules?

Yes, some older environments and tools may not fully support ES Modules. However, most modern browsers and Node.js versions do support them. It's important to check compatibility when using ESM.

How do I convert a CommonJS module to an ES Module?

To convert a CommonJS module to an ES Module, replace require() statements with import and module.exports with export. For example, change const myModule = require('./myModule'); to import myModule from './myModule.js';.

What should I use for new projects, ES Modules or CommonJS?

For new projects, it's generally recommended to use ES Modules due to their modern features and better support for future JavaScript developments.