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

> debug@4.4.3 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

Lightweight debugging utility for Node.js and the browser

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against debug@4.4.3.

debug ships CommonJS only. require("debug") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >=6.0. import "debug" 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("debug") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >=6.0.
2. From ES modules use the default import: import debug from "debug"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: npm install -D @types/debug

## Facts

- Latest: 4.4.3 (Sep 13, 2025)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 4.4.3
- TypeScript types: @types/debug
- Node engines: >=6.0
- Weekly downloads: 625.4M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for debug@4.4.3

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

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

ES modules:

```js
import debug from "debug";
```

CommonJS:

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

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (77 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0.2 – 4.4.3 | CommonJS | Jun 11, 2014 |

## Frequently asked

**Is debug ESM-only?**

debug@4.4.3 is a CommonJS package. debug ships CommonJS only. require("debug") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >=6.0. import "debug" 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 debug with ES module syntax?**

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

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

**Does debug ship TypeScript types?**

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

## Links

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

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