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

> express@5.2.1 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

Fast, unopinionated, minimalist web framework

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against express@5.2.1.

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

## Facts

- Latest: 5.2.1 (Dec 1, 2025)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 5.2.1
- TypeScript types: @types/express
- Node engines: >= 18
- Weekly downloads: 92.8M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for express@5.2.1

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

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

ES modules:

```js
import express from "express";
```

CommonJS:

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

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (245 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 4.9.7 – 5.2.1 | CommonJS | Oct 10, 2014 |

## Frequently asked

**Is express ESM-only?**

express@5.2.1 is a CommonJS package. express ships CommonJS only. require("express") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. The package declares Node.js >= 18. import "express" 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 express with ES module syntax?**

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

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

**Does express ship TypeScript types?**

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

## Links

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

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