# Is argparse ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> argparse@3.0.1 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

CLI arguments parser. Native port of python's argparse.

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against argparse@3.0.1.

argparse ships CommonJS only. require("argparse") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "argparse" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

## What to do

1. require("argparse") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun.
2. From ES modules use the default import: import argparse from "argparse"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 3.0.1 (Aug 25, 2026)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 3.0.1
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 231.6M
- License: PSF-2.0

## Runtime test results for argparse@3.0.1

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

| Runtime | require("argparse") | import "argparse" |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js 18 | works | 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 argparse

ES modules:

```js
import argparse from "argparse";
```

CommonJS:

```js
const argparse = require("argparse");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (32 versions; the newest 32 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1.0 – 3.0.1 | CommonJS | May 16, 2012 |

## Frequently asked

**Is argparse ESM-only?**

argparse@3.0.1 is a CommonJS package. argparse ships CommonJS only. require("argparse") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "argparse" also works because Node.js and Bun can import CommonJS from ES modules, but only the default export is guaranteed; named imports depend on Node's static analysis of the module.

**Can I import argparse with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import argparse from "argparse" works in Node.js and Bun because they support importing CommonJS modules. Named imports work only when Node.js can statically detect the exports.

**Does argparse work in Bun?**

Yes. import "argparse" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does argparse ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. argparse bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [argparse on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/argparse)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/nodeca/argparse)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/argparse/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/argparse.json)

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