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

> tape@5.10.2 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

tap-producing test harness for node and browsers

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against tape@5.10.2.

tape ships CommonJS only. require("tape") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "tape" 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("tape") 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 tape from "tape"; then destructure. Named imports only work when Node.js can statically detect the exports.
3. TypeScript: types are bundled; install nothing extra.

## Facts

- Latest: 5.10.2 (Jun 18, 2026)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 5.10.2
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 683K
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for tape@5.10.2

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

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

ES modules:

```js
import tape from "tape";
```

CommonJS:

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

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (155 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6.0 – 5.10.2 | CommonJS | Jun 20, 2016 |

## Frequently asked

**Is tape ESM-only?**

tape@5.10.2 is a CommonJS package. tape ships CommonJS only. require("tape") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "tape" 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 tape with ES module syntax?**

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

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

**Does tape ship TypeScript types?**

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

## Links

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

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