Node.js has been the dominant JavaScript runtime for many years, but a new challenger has emerged: Bun.js. Bun.js is a lightweight, fast, and easy-to-use runtime that is quickly gaining popularity among developers.

Here are some of the key differences between Bun.js and Node.js:

Performance:

Bun.js is generally considered to be faster than Node.js, especially for concurrent requests. This is because Bun.js uses the JavaScriptCore engine, which is optimized for mobile environments and is known for its speed. Node.js uses the V8 engine, which is also highly optimized but may have performance distinctions compared to JavaScriptCore.

Size and dependencies:

Bun.js is a lightweight runtime with a smaller codebase and minimal dependencies. It incorporates built-in tools like a bundler and transpiler, reducing reliance on external dependencies. Node.js has a larger codebase and more dependencies, but it also offers a wider range of features and functionality.

Ecosystem:

Node.js has a much larger ecosystem than Bun.js, with a wider range of third-party tools and libraries. This is because Node.js has been around for longer and has had more time to mature. Bun.js is a newer runtime, so its ecosystem is still growing.

ES Modules:

Bun.js supports ES Modules out of the box, while Node.js requires a transpiler like Babel to use ES Modules.

Web APIs:

Bun.js has built-in support for Web APIs, such as fetch and Headers. Node.js requires third-party libraries to use these APIs.

Here are some of the advantages of Bun.js over Node.js:

Faster performance:

Bun.js is generally considered to be faster than Node.js, especially for concurrent requests. This makes it a good choice for applications such as web servers, APIs, and microservices.

Lighter weight and fewer dependencies:

Bun.js is a lightweight runtime with a smaller codebase and minimal dependencies. This makes it easier to install and deploy, and it can also improve performance. Support for ES Modules: Bun.js supports ES Modules out of the box, while Node.js requires a transpiler like Babel to use ES Modules. This makes it easier to write modern JavaScript code in Bun.js.

Built-in support for Web APIs:

Bun.js has built-in support for Web APIs, such as fetch and Headers. Node.js requires third-party libraries to use these APIs. This makes it easier to develop web applications in Bun.js.

Overall, Bun.js is a promising new JavaScript runtime that offers a number of advantages over Node.js. It is faster, lighter weight, and has better support for modern JavaScript features. However, it is important to note that Bun.js is still under development, and its ecosystem is not as mature as Node.js.

Bun.js or Node.js 🤔🤔:

The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for a fast, lightweight, and easy-to-use JavaScript runtime, then Bun.js is a great option to consider. However, if you need a runtime with a mature ecosystem and a wide range of features, then Node.js is still the better choice.

Here are some examples of when you should choose Bun.js:

You are developing a high-performance web server or API.

You are developing a microservices architecture.

You are developing a mobile web application.

You are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-use JavaScript runtime.

Here are some examples of when you should choose Node.js:

You need to use a third-party library or tool that is not supported by Bun.js.

You need to develop a web application that uses a complex JavaScript framework.

You need to develop a desktop application using JavaScript.

You need a runtime with a large ecosystem and a wide range of features.

Installation steps:

• To install bun use the command given below.

1npm install -g bun

• To scaffold a new project run

1bun init

• To install a package run

1bun add <package-name>

• To run a js file use

1bun run <file-name>

• To run a script file like package.json use

1bun run start