# Is vue-template-compiler ESM-only? Can you require() it?

> vue-template-compiler@2.7.16 is a CommonJS package. CommonJS — require() works on every Node.js version we test.

template compiler for Vue 2.0

Last verified Sep 9, 2026 against vue-template-compiler@2.7.16.

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

## Facts

- Latest: 2.7.16 (Dec 24, 2023)
- Module format: CommonJS
- Last CommonJS version: 2.7.16
- TypeScript types: bundled
- Node engines: not declared
- Weekly downloads: 2.1M
- License: MIT

## Runtime test results for vue-template-compiler@2.7.16

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

| Runtime | require("vue-template-compiler") | import "vue-template-compiler" |
|---|---|---|
| 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 vue-template-compiler

ES modules:

```js
import vueTemplateCompiler from "vue-template-compiler";
```

CommonJS:

```js
const vueTemplateCompiler = require("vue-template-compiler");
```

## Module format by version

Derived from the type, main and exports fields of every stable release on npm (93 versions; the newest 60 shown).

| Versions | Format | First published |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4.0 – 2.7.16 | CommonJS | Jul 13, 2017 |

## Frequently asked

**Is vue-template-compiler ESM-only?**

vue-template-compiler@2.7.16 is a CommonJS package. vue-template-compiler ships CommonJS only. require("vue-template-compiler") works on every Node.js version we test (18, 20, 22, 24 and 26) and in Bun. import "vue-template-compiler" 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 vue-template-compiler with ES module syntax?**

Yes. import vueTemplateCompiler from "vue-template-compiler" 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 vue-template-compiler work in Bun?**

Yes. import "vue-template-compiler" loaded successfully in Bun 1.4.0 on Sep 9, 2026.

**Does vue-template-compiler ship TypeScript types?**

Yes. vue-template-compiler bundles its own type declarations; no @types package is needed.

## Links

- [vue-template-compiler on npm](https://www.npmjs.com/package/vue-template-compiler)
- [Source repository](https://github.com/vuejs/vue)
- [HTML version](https://canirequire.com/package/vue-template-compiler/)
- [JSON version](https://canirequire.com/package/vue-template-compiler.json)

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