What is Bun?
Bun is a next-generation JavaScript runtime designed for exceptional speed and seamless developer experience. It integrates a powerful runtime with Node.js compatibility, a production-ready bundler, a high-performance test runner, and an npm-compatible package manager—all in a single tool. Built on the JavaScriptCore engine, Bun enhances server-side and full-stack development by streamlining workflows and optimizing performance across application build, test, and deployment phases.
Bun supports TypeScript, JSX, and Web-standard APIs out-of-the-box, along with direct access to Postgres, SQLite, S3 storage, Redis, HTTP servers, WebSockets, and file system operations through rich built-in APIs. Its cohesive tooling eliminates the need for separate dependencies and configuration, substantially reducing complexity for developers building modern JavaScript or TypeScript projects.
Features
- Node.js Compatibility: Seamlessly runs Node.js applications and modules with high fidelity.
- Integrated Package Manager: Installs, manages, and publishes npm-compatible packages at high speed.
- Built-in Bundler: Packages frontend and backend code for deployment without third-party tools.
- Production-Grade HTTP & WebSocket Servers: Natively serves HTTP and WebSocket traffic.
- First-Class TypeScript & JSX Support: Executes TypeScript and JSX files directly and efficiently.
- High-Performance Database Drivers: Built-in drivers for PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Redis.
- Single-File Executables: Compiles entire applications into standalone binaries for easy deployment.
- Built-in Test Runner: Jest-compatible testing with fast startup and support for ESM, TypeScript, and JSX.
- Hot Reloading: Instantly restarts backend processes when files change.
- Rich Developer Utilities: Tools for hashing, color conversions, semver management, glob patterns, and cross-platform shell scripting.
Use Cases
- Building high-performance Node.js-compatible server-side applications.
- Developing and bundling modern JavaScript/TypeScript web applications.
- Managing dependencies for monorepos or single projects with npm compatibility.
- Running automated tests for TypeScript, ESM, and frontend projects with rapid feedback.
- Serving HTTP APIs and WebSocket servers for real-time apps.
- Packaging and deploying applications as single-file binaries.
- Automating DevOps and shell scripting tasks in JavaScript across platforms.
- Integrating directly with cloud storage and databases within server applications.
FAQs
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What platforms does Bun support?
Bun runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, providing cross-platform compatibility for development and deployment. -
Is Bun compatible with existing Node.js projects?
Yes, Bun aims for full compatibility with Node.js applications, supporting Node's module resolution, built-in modules, and most npm packages. -
Does Bun support TypeScript and JSX files natively?
Yes, you can execute TypeScript and JSX files directly without separate transpilation or configuration, as Bun recognizes tsconfig settings automatically. -
How does Bun improve package management performance?
Bun uses high-speed system calls and a smart caching strategy, making dependency installation and management significantly faster compared to traditional tools like npm or yarn. -
Can I use Bun’s bundler and test runner independently of its runtime?
You can use Bun's package manager without the runtime, but other tooling such as the bundler and test runner are designed to leverage Bun's integrated environment.
Helpful for people in the following professions
Bun Uptime Monitor
Average Uptime
100%
Average Response Time
188.75 ms
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