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

> commander@15.0.0 is ESM-only. ESM-only since 15.0.0 — last CommonJS version is 14.0.3.

the complete solution for node.js command-line programs

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against commander@15.0.0.

commander dropped its CommonJS build in 15.0.0 (May 2026). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 14.0.3, published Jan 31, 2026; it declares support for Node.js >=20.

On Node.js 22.12+ and newer (commander@15.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.12.0), require("commander") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 22, 24 and 26. Node.js 18 has no require(esm), and commander@15.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.12.0, so 18 is outside its supported range anyway.

commander@15.0.0 declares engines ">=22.12.0", so Node.js 18, 20 are outside its supported range regardless of module format.

## What to do

1. On Node.js 22.12+ and newer (commander@15.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.12.0), require("commander") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 22, 24 and 26.
2. From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const commander = await import("commander"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>=22.12.0).
3. If you need a synchronous require(): npm install commander@14.0.3, the last CommonJS release (published Jan 31, 2026); it declares Node.js >=20.
4. commander@15.0.0 declares engines ">=22.12.0", so Node.js 18, 20 are unsupported regardless: upgrade Node.js or pin an older release.
5. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 15.0.0 (May 29, 2026)
- Module format: ESM-only
- Last CommonJS version: 14.0.3
- ESM-only since: 15.0.0 (May 29, 2026)
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: >=22.12.0
- Weekly downloads: 451.1M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for commander@15.0.0

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

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

ES modules:

```js
import * as commander from "commander";
```

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

CommonJS:

```js
// Node.js 22.12+ and newer (verified):
const commander = require("commander");

// Any Node.js version the package supports (>=22.12.0), from an async function:
async function main() {
  const commander = await import("commander");
}

// Or pin the last CommonJS release (declares Node.js >=20):
// npm install commander@14.0.3
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (103 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 15.0.0 | ESM-only | May 29, 2026 |
| 9.0.0 – 14.0.3 | Dual (CommonJS + ESM) | Jan 29, 2022 |
| 2.8.1 – 8.3.0 | CommonJS | Apr 24, 2015 |

## Frequently asked

**Is commander ESM-only?**

commander@15.0.0 is ESM-only. commander dropped its CommonJS build in 15.0.0 (May 2026). The last version with a plain require()-able CommonJS entry is 14.0.3, published Jan 31, 2026; it declares support for Node.js >=20.

**Which version of commander still supports CommonJS / require()?**

14.0.3 is the last version of commander with a CommonJS build; it declares Node.js >=20. Install it with "npm install commander@14.0.3". Every version from 15.0.0 on is ESM-only.

**How do I use commander from a CommonJS file?**

From a CommonJS file, use a dynamic import inside an async function: const commander = await import("commander"). That works on every Node.js version the package supports (>=22.12.0). On Node.js 22.12+ and newer (commander@15.0.0 declares Node.js >=22.12.0), require("commander") works with the latest version: Node.js loads synchronous ES modules through require(). Verified on Node.js 22, 24 and 26. Alternatively pin commander@14.0.3 (declares Node.js >=20).

**Does commander work in Bun?**

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

**Does commander ship TypeScript types?**

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

## Links

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

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