What is the history of JavaScript modules?

What is the history of JavaScript modules?

JavaScript modules have evolved significantly since the early days. Initially, JavaScript was a single-file language, but as applications grew, the need for modularity became apparent. The introduction of CommonJS in 2009 allowed for server-side module management, while ES6 modules, standardized in 2015, brought native support for modules in browsers.

What are the main differences between CommonJS and ES6 modules?

CommonJS uses require() for importing and module.exports for exporting, making it synchronous and suitable for server-side. ES6 modules use import and export statements, allowing for asynchronous loading and better support for tree-shaking in modern build tools.

How did module bundlers like Webpack change the landscape?

Module bundlers like Webpack revolutionized JavaScript development by allowing developers to bundle multiple modules into a single file, optimizing performance and enabling features like hot module replacement, which enhances the development experience.

Are there any other module systems I should know about?

Yes, besides CommonJS and ES6 modules, there's AMD (Asynchronous Module Definition), which was popular for browser-based applications before ES6 modules became standard. UMD (Universal Module Definition) is another that aims to work in both environments.