What is Bun?
Bun is a JavaScript runtime built from scratch with an integrated package manager, test runner, bundler, and other developer tools. It provides a drop‑in replacement for Node.js with built‑in support for TypeScript, JSX, web‑standard APIs, databases, and more.
Key Features
JavaScript runtime 3× faster start‑up than Node.js
Built‑in package manager up to 30× faster than npm
Jest‑compatible test runner with built‑in coverage and watch mode
Integrated bundler that handles TypeScript, JSX, React, CSS, and more
100 % Node.js API compatibility
Native support for PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Redis, S3, and WebSockets
Hot‑reload and watch mode for backend development
Cross‑platform shell API (`Bun.$`) for scripting
Ability to compile apps into single‑file executables
Who Will Use Bun?
JavaScript/TypeScript developersNode.js developers looking for faster toolingFull‑stack engineers building web and server applicationsTeams building CLI tools or serverless functionsCompanies such as Replit, Cursor, Railway, and Midjourney
How to Use Bun
- 1Install Bun via the official script: `powershell -c "irm bun.sh/install.ps1 | iex"`
- 2Run scripts directly with `bun <file>`
- 3Use `bun install` as a fast npm‑compatible package manager
- 4Run tests with `bun test` (Jest‑compatible)
- 5Bundle applications with `bun build <entry>`
- 6Start a server with `bun ./index.ts` or `bun serve({ ... })`
- 7Create single‑file executables with `bun build --compile`
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very fast start‑up and execution speed
- All‑in‑one toolkit reduces dependency on multiple separate tools
- Drop‑in replacement for existing Node.js projects
- Comprehensive built‑in APIs (databases, HTTP, WebSocket, etc.)
- Significant reductions in install and test times
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