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

> bindings@1.5.0 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

Helper module for loading your native module's .node file

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against bindings@1.5.0.

bindings ships CommonJS only. require("bindings") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "bindings" 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("bindings") 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 bindings from "bindings"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: npm install -D @types/bindings

## Facts

- Latest: 1.5.0 (Feb 27, 2019)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 1.5.0
- TypeScript types: @types/bindings
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 24.5M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for bindings@1.5.0

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

| Runtime | require("bindings") | import "bindings" |
|---|---|---|
| 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 bindings

ES modules:

```js
import bindings from "bindings";
```

CommonJS:

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

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (19 versions; the newest 19 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0.1 – 1.5.0 | CommonJS | Jan 28, 2012 |

## Frequently asked

**Is bindings ESM-only?**

bindings@1.5.0 is a CommonJS package. bindings ships CommonJS only. require("bindings") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "bindings" 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 bindings with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import bindings from "bindings" 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 bindings work in Bun?**

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

**Does bindings ship TypeScript types?**

Not bundled. Install the community types with "npm install -D @types/bindings".

## Links

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

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