# Is @nestjs/core ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> @nestjs/core@12.0.1 is ESM-only. ESM-only since 12.0.0 — last CommonJS version is 11.2.3.

Nest - modern, fast, powerful node.js web framework (@core)

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against @nestjs/core@12.0.1.

@nestjs/core dropped its CommonJS build in 12.0.0 (August 2026). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 11.2.3, published Aug 25, 2026; it declares support for Node.js >= 20.

On Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer, require("@nestjs/core") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 20, 22, 24 and 26. Node.js 18 has no require(esm), and @nestjs/core@12.0.1 declares Node.js >= 20, so 18 is outside its supported range anyway.

@nestjs/core@12.0.1 declares engines ">= 20", so Node.js 18 is outside its supported range regardless of module format.

## What to do

1. On Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer, require("@nestjs/core") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 20, 22, 24 and 26.
2. From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const core = await import("@nestjs/core"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>= 20).
3. If you need a synchronous require(): npm install @nestjs/core@11.2.3, the last CommonJS release (published Aug 25, 2026); it declares Node.js >= 20.
4. @nestjs/core@12.0.1 declares engines ">= 20", so Node.js 18 is unsupported regardless: upgrade Node.js or pin an older release.
5. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 12.0.1 (Aug 27, 2026)
- Module format: ESM-only
- Last CommonJS version: 11.2.3
- ESM-only since: 12.0.0 (Aug 27, 2026)
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: >= 20
- Weekly downloads: 10.5M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for @nestjs/core@12.0.1

Installed and executed on Sep 9, 2026 with require("@nestjs/core") from a CommonJS file and import "@nestjs/core" from an ES module.

| Runtime | require("@nestjs/core") | import "@nestjs/core" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | fails (ERR_REQUIRE_ESM) | works |
| Node.js 20 | works | works |
| Node.js 22 | works | works |
| Node.js 24 | works | works |
| Node.js 26 | works | works |
| Bun 1.4.0 | works | works |

## How to import @nestjs/core

ES modules:

```js
import * as core from "@nestjs/core";
```

Namespace import shown because the ESM entry may have no default export; use named imports for what it exports.

CommonJS:

```js
// Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer (verified):
const core = require("@nestjs/core");

// Any Node.js version the package supports (>= 20), from an async function:
async function main() {
  const core = await import("@nestjs/core");
}

// Or pin the last CommonJS release (declares Node.js >= 20):
// npm install @nestjs/core@11.2.3
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (400 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 12.0.0 – 12.0.1 | ESM-only | Aug 27, 2026 |
| 10.4.21 – 11.2.3 | CommonJS | Jan 8, 2026 |

## Frequently asked

**Is @nestjs/core ESM-only?**

@nestjs/core@12.0.1 is ESM-only. @nestjs/core dropped its CommonJS build in 12.0.0 (August 2026). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 11.2.3, published Aug 25, 2026; it declares support for Node.js >= 20.

**Which version of @nestjs/core still supports CommonJS / require()?**

11.2.3 is the last version of @nestjs/core with a CommonJS build; it declares Node.js >= 20. Install it with "npm install @nestjs/core@11.2.3". Every version from 12.0.0 on is ESM-only.

**How do I use @nestjs/core from a CommonJS file?**

From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const core = await import("@nestjs/core"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>= 20). On Node.js 20.19+, 22.12+ and newer, require("@nestjs/core") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 20, 22, 24 and 26. Alternatively pin @nestjs/core@11.2.3 (declares Node.js >= 20).

**Does @nestjs/core work in Bun?**

Yes. import "@nestjs/core" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does @nestjs/core ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. @nestjs/core bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [@nestjs/core on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@nestjs/core)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/nestjs/nest)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/@nestjs/core/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/@nestjs/core.json)

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