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

> nodeunit@0.11.3 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

Easy unit testing for node.js and the browser.

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against nodeunit@0.11.3.

nodeunit ships CommonJS only. require("nodeunit") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "nodeunit" 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.

**Deprecated:** you are strongly encouraged to use other testing options

## What to do

1. require("nodeunit") 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 nodeunit from "nodeunit"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: npm install -D @types/nodeunit
4. This package is deprecated: you are strongly encouraged to use other testing options

## Facts

- Latest: 0.11.3 (Jul 9, 2018)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 0.11.3
- TypeScript types: @types/nodeunit
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 43K
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for nodeunit@0.11.3

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

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

ES modules:

```js
import nodeunit from "nodeunit";
```

CommonJS:

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

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (48 versions; the newest 48 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 0.1.0 – 0.11.3 | CommonJS | Mar 4, 2011 |

## Frequently asked

**Is nodeunit ESM-only?**

nodeunit@0.11.3 is a CommonJS package. nodeunit ships CommonJS only. require("nodeunit") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "nodeunit" 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 nodeunit with ES module syntax?**

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

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

**Does nodeunit ship TypeScript types?**

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

## Links

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

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