Why We Should Start Using Deno: A Comprehensive Guide
Tags: deno, javascript, typescript, node
Published: 2023-07-04 05:26:21

In the ever-evolving world of JavaScript, a new contender has emerged that's turning heads in the developer community. Meet Deno, a secure runtime for JavaScript, TypeScript, and WebAssembly. But what makes Deno stand out in the crowded JavaScript landscape? Let's dive deep into the compelling reasons.

## 1. Secure by Default: A New Standard in JavaScript Runtimes

In today's digital world, security is no longer optional. Deno takes this to heart by being secure by default. Unlike Node.js, where scripts have unrestricted access to the file system, environment variables, and network, Deno restricts these capabilities. This feature alone sets a new standard for security in JavaScript runtimes.

## 2. Embracing TypeScript: No More Transpilation Hassles

TypeScript, a statically typed superset of JavaScript, has gained significant popularity for its ability to catch errors during development. Deno offers first-class TypeScript support out of the box, eliminating the need for a separate transpilation step as in Node.js. If you're a TypeScript enthusiast, this feature alone might be a reason to switch.

## 3. Standard Library: Quality Code at Your Fingertips

One of the challenges with Node.js is the lack of a standard library. Deno addresses this by providing a set of reviewed (audited) standard modules that are guaranteed to work with Deno. These modules cover a wide range of functionalities, improving the quality of your code and saving you time.

## 4. Built-in Tooling: Streamlining Your Development Workflow

Deno comes with a suite of built-in tools, including a test runner, a code formatter, and a linter. This eliminates the need for external tooling and makes your setup process much simpler and more efficient. These tools are designed to work seamlessly with Deno, reducing the friction often experienced when setting up development environments.

## 5. ES Modules: Embracing Modern JavaScript

Deno uses ES modules as its default module system. This is a more modern and standardized approach compared to Node.js's CommonJS module system. ES modules are statically analyzable, which means tools can take advantage of this to provide better code optimization and refactoring capabilities.

## 6. Browser Compatibility: Write Once, Run Anywhere

Deno aims to be compatible with the web browser APIs. This means you can write code that runs both on the server and in the browser without having to worry about compatibility issues. This is a significant advantage for developers who work on full-stack applications and want to share code between the server and the client.

## 7. Simplified Dependency Management: No More node_modules

In Deno, there's no package.json or node_modules directory. Dependencies are imported via URLs and cached locally. This can lead to a more straightforward and manageable dependency graph. It also eliminates the "download the internet" problem often associated with Node.js projects.

## 8. Continuous Development: A Future-Proof Runtime

Deno is under active development with a growing community. As of the latest version (v1.34.3), new features and improvements are being added regularly. The team behind Deno is committed to making it a robust and reliable runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript.

## 9. Compatibility with NPM Packages: Best of Both Worlds

While Deno has its own module system, it also provides compatibility with existing NPM packages. This is achieved through a compatibility layer that allows you to import NPM packages in your Deno applications. This compatibility with NPM packages means that you don't have to abandon your favorite NPM libraries when you switch to Deno. It's another reason why transitioning from Node.js to Deno can be smoother than you might think.

## 10. Why It's Time to Get Started with Deno

With all these features and improvements, there's never been a better time to start using Deno. Whether you're a seasoned Node.js developer looking for a more secure and efficient runtime, or you're new to server-side JavaScript and want to start on the right foot, Deno has a lot to offer.

Deno's focus on security, modern JavaScript features, and developer productivity make it a compelling choice for today's web developers. Its active development and growing community mean that it's continually improving and evolving.

Moreover, the compatibility with NPM packages and the familiar JavaScript/TypeScript syntax mean that the learning curve for Node.js developers is not steep. You can leverage your existing JavaScript/TypeScript knowledge and even reuse your favorite NPM packages.

In conclusion, Deno is not just a new JavaScript runtime. It's a step forward in the evolution of JavaScript and TypeScript on the server. It's a runtime that aligns with the modern web's needs and the current best practices in software development.

So why wait? It's time to get started with Deno!

## 11. Getting Started with Deno

If you're interested in trying out Deno, it's easy to get started. You can install Deno using Shell (macOS, Linux):

```bash
curl -fsSL https://deno.land/x/install/install.sh | sh
```
Or using PowerShell (Windows):
```bash
iwr https://deno.land/x/install/install.ps1 -useb | iex
```
Once installed, you can check the version of Deno:
```bash
deno --version
```
And run a simple program:
```bash
deno run https://deno.land/std/examples/welcome.ts
```
You can find more examples and tutorials in the [Deno manual](https://deno.land/manual@v1.34.3/introduction).

I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or thoughts about Deno, feel free to leave a comment below. Let's start the conversation and learn together. Happy coding!


_References:_

[Deno Manual](https://deno.land/manual)
[Deno API](https://deno.land/api)
[Deno Standard Library](https://deno.land/std)
[Deno Third-Party Modules](https://deno.land/x)