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

> ts-node@10.9.2 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

TypeScript execution environment and REPL for node.js, with source map support

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against ts-node@10.9.2.

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

## Facts

- Latest: 10.9.2 (Dec 8, 2023)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 10.9.2
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 42.2M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for ts-node@10.9.2

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

| Runtime | require("ts-node") | import "ts-node" |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ts-node

ES modules:

```js
import tsNode from "ts-node";
```

CommonJS:

```js
const tsNode = require("ts-node");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (127 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1.0 – 10.9.2 | CommonJS | Dec 23, 2017 |

## Frequently asked

**Is ts-node ESM-only?**

ts-node@10.9.2 is a CommonJS package. ts-node ships CommonJS only. require("ts-node") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "ts-node" 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 ts-node with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import tsNode from "ts-node" 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 ts-node work in Bun?**

Yes. import "ts-node" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does ts-node ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. ts-node bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

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

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