How Does Node.js Support ES6 Modules?

Node.js Unveils Plans for ES6 (ECMAScript 2015) Module Support

Initial Commit and Nightly Build Access

Node.js master branch now boasts initial support for ES6 modules under the --experimental-modules flag. Nightly builds, accessible via nvm, provide an early peek into this implementation.

File Extensions and Package Input

To denote ES6 modules, Node.js proposes using the .mjs file extension. Additionally, package.json can utilize the "main" field to establish an entry point for modules.

Package Type

"package.type" field within package.json allows for module or commonjs specification. This determines how files with specific extensions (e.g., .js) are parsed.

Dynamic and Static Resolution

Dynamic resolution, enabled via --es-module-specifier-resolution=node, facilitates imports using optional file extensions and indexing files in directories. However, explicit resolution remains the default to prevent potential security vulnerabilities.

Experimental JSON Module Loader

--experimental-json-loader enables JSON imports by leveraging an experimental loader that interprets all imports of 'thing.json' via this loader.

Historical Timelines

• February 2017: Node.js decides on .mjs as the file extension for ES6 modules.
• October 2016: Node.js outlines technical blockers to module implementation at a TC-39 meeting.
• September 2017: ES6 module support appears in Node.js 8.5.0 behind a flag.
• January 2019: Node.js 11.6.0 still labels ES6 modules as experimental.
• April 2019: Major changes in module detection and resolution introduced via a PR.

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