Comparing JavaScript Runtimes: Node.js vs Deno vs Bun

Overview

Choosing the right JavaScript runtime for your Breeze depends on your project requirements. Node.js, Deno, and Bun each offer distinct advantages for server-side JavaScript development.

Node.js

• The most mature runtime with the largest ecosystem
• Uses npm with over 2 million packages
• CommonJS and ES Modules support
• Best for projects that rely on established npm libraries

# Install Node.js via nvm
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash
nvm install 20

Deno

• Secure by default with explicit permissions for file, network, and env access
• Built-in TypeScript support without compilation
• URL-based module imports with npm compatibility layer
• Built-in formatter, linter, and test runner

# Install Deno
curl -fsSL https://deno.land/install.sh | sh
deno run --allow-net server.ts

Bun

• Fastest startup and install times
• All-in-one runtime, bundler, test runner, and package manager
• High Node.js API compatibility
• Native SQLite support built in

# Install Bun
curl -fsSL https://bun.sh/install | bash
bun run server.ts

Feature Comparison

Performance

Bun leads in raw startup speed and HTTP throughput. Node.js is well-optimized for sustained workloads. Deno falls between the two in most benchmarks.

Compatibility

Node.js has the broadest library support. Bun supports most Node.js APIs. Deno requires its compatibility layer for npm packages.

Recommendation

Use Node.js for maximum ecosystem compatibility, Deno for security-first projects, and Bun for performance-critical applications on your Breeze.