Deno
A JavaScript and TypeScript runtime with security on by default, TypeScript built in, and a complete toolchain in one binary.
These buttons open the developer's own site, repository or store listing in a new tab. wares.gg does not host downloads.
4 more ways to get Deno
About Deno
Deno was created by Node's original author to fix what he considered Node's design mistakes. Scripts run in a sandbox and must be granted permission explicitly to read files, use the network or access the environment, which is the opposite of Node's default. TypeScript runs directly with no build configuration.
One binary carries the runtime plus a formatter, linter, test runner, bundler and documentation generator, so a project needs far less tooling. Later versions added npm compatibility, so existing Node projects mostly run unchanged, which removed the main practical objection to adopting it.
Strengths
- Permissions are denied by default; a script must be granted file, network or environment access
- TypeScript runs directly with no build step or configuration
- Formatter, linter, test runner, bundler and doc generator in the same binary
- npm compatibility, so existing Node projects mostly run unchanged
Limitations
- Some npm packages that depend on Node internals still do not work
- A smaller ecosystem and hiring pool than Node
- The permission prompts are useful but add friction to quick scripts
- The company's direction is tied to its Deno Deploy hosting business
Details
- Pricing
- FreeThe runtime is free and open source under the MIT licence. Deno Deploy, the company's hosting service, is a separate paid product with a free tier.
- License
- MIT
- Developer
- Deno
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
- How it runs
- Downloadable app
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Running TypeScript with a sandbox and a full toolchain, without assembling one
- Categories
- Developer tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Selected from the TechWalrus downloads catalog (Dev Tools); facts checked against the developer's own pages, 2 sources on file.
Alternatives to Deno
Compare allSoftware that can replace Deno for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Node.js
The JavaScript runtime that server-side JavaScript is built on, with the npm ecosystem behind it.
Node.js has the largest package ecosystem through npm and open governance under the OpenJS Foundation, but no default permission sandbox and no built-in TypeScript toolchain.
Bun
A JavaScript runtime, bundler, test runner and package manager in one executable, built as a faster drop-in for Node.js.
Bun also runs TypeScript directly and bundles a test runner and package manager, aiming at Node drop-in compatibility and speed rather than permission-based security.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily 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.
asdf
One version manager for many language runtimes.
mise
Keep project tools, environment variables and tasks in one configuration.
