Creating Dual-Mode Cross-Runtime JavaScript Packages

2023/09/04

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This article explores how to create dual-mode, cross-runtime JavaScript packages that are compatible with both ESM and CommonJS, as well as different runtimes like Node.js, Deno, and browsers. It highlights the benefits of dual-mode packages, such as broader compatibility, seamless transition, and reduced maintenance. The article also introduces the concept of cross-runtime packages, which work in multiple environments and aim to provide a consistent API. It discusses the two main approaches for creating these packages: the Deno-first approach and the Node-first approach. The Deno-first approach relies on the Deno-to-Node-Tool (DNT) and involves setting up a basic Deno library and adding the DNT build script. The Node-first approach, on the other hand, uses conventional build tools for converting an existing NPM library. Overall, this article provides valuable insights and guidance for developers looking to publish dual-mode, cross-runtime JavaScript packages.