Will Node.js Ever Fully Support ES6 Import/Export Modules?

Node.js Plans to Support Import/Export ES6 (ECMAScript 2015) Modules

Introduction:
Node.js currently relies solely on CommonJS syntax for loading modules. Many developers seek clarification on Node.js's plans for supporting ECMAScript 2015 (ES6) module syntax.

Current Status and Roadmap:

Node.js 13.2.0 & Above:

• ES Modules are now supported without a flag.
• Package.json can be configured to opt-in to ES module support using "type": "module".

Node.js 13.1.0 & Below:

• Use the esm module loader for production-ready ES Module implementation.

Historical Developments (for Reference):

April 23, 2019:

• Changes in ECMAScript module detection were introduced.
• Package.type can specify module or commonjs type for different file extensions and entry points.
• --es-module-specifier-resolution option allows for CommonJS specifier resolution algorithm.

January 17, 2019:

• ES Modules remained experimental in Node.js 11.6.0.

September 13, 2017:

• Node.js 8.5.0 introduced experimental support for .mjs files with the --experimental-modules flag.
• ES Modules were expected to become the default in v10.0 LTS.

September 8, 2017:

• Node.js master branch received initial support for ESM modules.
• Experimental-modules flag was required to enable it.

February 2017:

• Node.js developers decided to use the .mjs file extension as the least problematic solution.
• Support was estimated to take around a year or more.

October 2016:

• Blockedrs to ES6 module implementation in Node.js were identified, including:

  • Static vs. evaluated module analysis.
  • Monkey-patching support in CommonJS modules.
  • Difficulty in differentiating ESM and CommonJS modules without user input.

Conclusion:

Node.js is actively working towards supporting ES6 import/export modules. The timeline is still uncertain, but significant progress has been made, with experimental support available in newer Node.js versions. As the specification stabilizes, Node.js plans to provide full and stable support for ES6 module syntax.

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