Node.js uses a module system to organize code into separate files. You can use CommonJS (require/module.exports) or ES Modules (import/export). npm packages are also modules you install and import.
Node.js
Beginner
10 min read
Node.js Modules
Example
// CommonJS (default in Node.js)
// math.js
const PI = 3.14159;
function add(a, b) { return a + b; }
function multiply(a, b) { return a * b; }
module.exports = { add, multiply, PI };
// main.js - import with require
const { add, multiply, PI } = require('./math');
console.log(add(2, 3)); // 5
console.log(multiply(4, PI)); // 12.566
// ES Modules (use "type": "module" in package.json)
// utils.mjs
export const VERSION = '1.0.0';
export function formatDate(date) {
return date.toISOString().split('T')[0];
}
export default function greet(name) {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
// app.mjs
import greet, { VERSION, formatDate } from './utils.mjs';
// Built-in modules (no install needed)
const path = require('path');
const fs = require('fs');
const os = require('os');
console.log(path.join(__dirname, 'data', 'file.json'));
console.log(os.platform()); // 'win32' or 'linux'