Alternatives to Node.js
The JavaScript runtime that server-side JavaScript is built on, with the npm ecosystem behind it. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Node.js
The JavaScript runtime that server-side JavaScript is built on, with the npm ecosystem behind it.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Node.js.
Bun
A JavaScript runtime, bundler, test runner and package manager in one executable, built as a faster drop-in for Node.js.
Bun bundles runtime, bundler, test runner and package manager in one faster MIT executable that runs TypeScript directly, though Node compatibility is not complete.
Deno
A JavaScript and TypeScript runtime with security on by default, TypeScript built in, and a complete toolchain in one binary.
Deno denies file, network and environment access by default and includes TypeScript, formatter, linter and test runner, while some npm packages relying on Node internals fail.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
nvm
Installs and switches between multiple Node.js versions per shell.
Fast Node Manager
Install and switch Node.js versions for different projects.
Python
A general-purpose programming language used for scripting, web backends, data analysis and machine learning.
