What is Node.js? Node.js is an open-source, cross-platform, back-end JavaScript runtime environment that runs on the V8 engine. It executes JavaScript code outside a web browser. –Wikipedia
Deno is secure by out of the box. Unless specifically enabled, It has no file, network, or environment access. Therefore for you to have access to security-sensitive areas or functions, A Deno module requires the use of permissions to be granted to a deno process on the command line.
Because Deno is being developed to overcome shortcomings not addressed in the initial design of Node.js. In other words, it is being developed to become a superior choice. –deno.land
Deno Advantages over Node.js
Deno is a simple, modern and secure runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript that uses V8 and is built in Rust.
Deno
- Secure by default.
- Supports TypeScript out of the box.
- Ships only a single executable file.
- Has built-in utilities like a dependency inspector (
deno info) and a code formatter (deno fmt). - Has a set of reviewed (audited) standard modules that are guaranteed to work with Deno: deno.land/std
Because Node.js is an asynchronous event-driven JavaScript runtime, Node.js is designed to build scalable network applications. It too is built to use the V8 runtime.
Node.js
- Not Secure by default.
- Uses common Javascript by default.
- Separate Node and npm executables must be downloaded.
- Utilities are seperate.
- Has a set of core modules such as http, url, ..etc
Why Node.js is cool
Node.js is well-supported on GitHub, and it is more popular there than, for example, React. Moreover, such companies as IBM, PayPal, eBay, Microsoft, Netflix, Yahoo!, LinkedIn, or NASA support and actively use Node.js.
The modern Javascript Frameworks Angular, React, Vue, and many more were all built using Node.js. Some of the coolest web based technologies are based on Node.js. Graphql for example makes multi-source fetching simplified.
Netlify is ushering in the headless/serverless architecture for the modern developer. Each portion of your web app can be imported alicart. Each portion can scale, and have it’s own set of resources attached. It is a great time to be a Modern web developer.
Deno is still young
Even though Deno does not support NPM modules directly, it provides a Node Compatibility Library, which allows you to use some NPM modules where necessary. I expect big things. Typed language support is what everyone is looking for. I hear that Deno is shipping with WebGpu support. Move over Python, Machine learning may have a new kick ass option.
Let me know what you think in the comments.