What is the best way to find the specific npm package available on Deno?
I'm currently exploring how to utilize npm packages within my Deno projects. Given Deno's unique module system and its differences from Node.js, I'm trying to find the most efficient method to identify npm packages that are compatible with Deno. What are the best practices or tools I should use to search for npm packages that work with Deno? Any guidance or experiences you could share would be greatly appreciated!
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To find specific npm packages that are available for use in Deno, you can follow these best practices:
1. Use npm Specifiers: Starting with Deno release 1.28, Deno has stabilized support for
npm: specifiers, which allow you to import npm modules directly in Deno. You can use an import statement with the npm: prefix followed by the package name and version. For example:
2. Check CDN Compatibility: You can also use CDNs like esm.sh, UNPKG, and JSPM to import npm modules as ES Module bundles. These CDNs provide instructions on how to use them in Deno. For instance, you can import a package from esm.sh like this:
3. Refer to Deno's Documentation: The documentation provides guidance on how to use npm modules in Deno, including using npm specifiers and CDNs. It's a good idea to refer to the official Deno documentation for the latest information on npm compatibility.
4. Explore Deno's Third-Party Modules: While not specific to npm, Deno's third-party module registry at deno.land/x contains a collection of modules that are compatible with Deno. Some npm packages may have been ported over or have equivalents here.
5. Look for Package.json Support: Deno release 1.31 introduced support for resolving npm dependencies from package.json if it exists. This means that if you have a package.json file in your project, Deno can use it to resolve npm dependencies.
6. Check for Unstable Features: Deno's compatibility with Node and npm is an ongoing project, and there may be unstable features that can improve compatibility with Node.js code. You can check the unstable feature flags documentation for options that mayhelp.
Remember that not all npm packages may work out of the box with Deno due to differences in the runtime environments. It's always a good idea to check if the package's documentation mentions Deno compatibility or to test the package in a Deno environment. 🦕
@MaDsEn is building a site to check compatibility