What are the differences between ES6 and CommonJS?

What are the main differences between ES6 and CommonJS?

The main differences include syntax, loading mechanisms, and scope. ES6 uses import and export, while CommonJS uses require and module.exports. ES6 modules are statically analyzed, while CommonJS modules are loaded at runtime.

Can you explain the loading mechanisms in more detail?

Sure! ES6 modules are loaded asynchronously and can be imported in a non-blocking way, which is great for performance. CommonJS modules are loaded synchronously, meaning the entire module must be loaded before the code can continue executing.

Which one should I use for a new project?

If you're starting a new project, it's generally recommended to use ES6 modules, especially if you're targeting modern environments. They offer better support for tree-shaking and are the standard moving forward.

Are there any compatibility issues I should be aware of?

Yes, while most modern environments support ES6 modules, older browsers may not. You might need a transpiler like Babel or a bundler like Webpack to ensure compatibility.