Hey you. Yeah, you—the one still using npm install like it’s a meditation app. Let’s talk. The Node.js world in 2025 is basically the tech version of a glow-up montage, and if you’re not paying attention, you’ll be stuck maintaining legacy code while the cool kids deploy AI-powered edge functions.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Here’s the unapologetically opinionated guide to Node.js tools that matter now.
1. Bun: Node.js on Red Bull 🚀
What it is: A Zig-powered runtime that laughs at your node_modules folder and says, “That’s cute.”
Why you’ll stan:
- Runs TypeScript like it’s plain JS. No, you don’t need
ts-nodeanymore, Karen. - Replaces
npm,yarn, andwebpackin one binary. Your CI/CD pipeline just got a promotion. - Cold starts faster than your ex moving on.
Try it or stay mid:
curl -fsSL https://bun.sh/install | bash
bun create chaos # Because "my-cool-app" is boring
2. Deno: Node.js But It Actually Locks the Door 🔒
What it is: Node’s more responsible cousin who checks for monsters under the bed.
Why it slaps:
- TypeScript out of the box. Yes, Ryan Dahl fixed his own mistakes.
- Permissions system: “Can this script read your files?” → “lol no.”
- Fresh framework: Next.js if it did yoga and drank green juice.
Deno in action:
deno run --allow-net --allow-env --allow-sarcasm server.ts
3. Edge Functions: Serverless, But Make It ✨Vibe✨
What it is: Running code closer to users than your last toxic relationship.
Why it’s a flex:
- Responds faster than a Twitter troll.
- Costs less than your monthly coffee addiction.
- Deploys to 300+ locations. Global domination, but make it async.
Code snippet for the aesthetic:
// Vercel Edge Function
export default (req) => new Response(`Sup from ${req.geo.city} 👋`);
4. TypeScript: JavaScript’s Glow-Up 💅
What it is: The reason your code doesn’t look like a toddler’s finger painting anymore.
Why you’re not allowed to skip it:
- Catches bugs before they ghost your production server.
- AI tools (looking at you, Copilot) simp hard for typed code.
- Bun/Deno treat it like a first-class citizen. Node.js, take notes.
Hot tip: Replace tsc with swc and watch your compile times drop like it’s hot.
5. Nx: Monorepos That Won’t Make You Cry 🧩
What it is: A monorepo tool that doesn’t hate your guts.
Why it’s a W:
- Shares code like your aunt shares conspiracy theories—effortlessly.
- Caches builds like a squirrel hoarding acorns.
- Supports React, Vue, and even that Angular app you inherited (RIP).
Start here:
npx create-nx-workspace@latest my-empire
6. tRPC: REST’s Funeral Director ⚰️
What it is: REST APIs are dead. tRPC is the typesafe heir.
Why it’s a vibe:
- Frontend and backend share types like besties sharing fries.
- Zero boilerplate. Yes, even the docs are shorter than a TikTok.
Code flex:
// Backend
const appRouter = router({
roastMe: publicProcedure.query(() => "Your code is 🔥…ly bad."),
});
7. AI Tools: Your New Overlords 🤖
What it is: Code that writes itself while you binge Netflix.
Hot picks:
- LangChain.js: For when you want ChatGPT to do your job.
- Vercel AI SDK: Because typing is so 2024.
- Effect-TS: Functional programming for masochists who love type theory.
Example (or don’t):
// GPT-6 writes your API
const { code } = await ai.generate({ prompt: "Make me famous" });
8. Biome: ESLint’s Death Certificate 🪦
What it is: A Rust-powered linter that’s faster than your excuses.
Why it’s iconic:
- Formats + lints in one. Bye, Prettier—it’s not you, it’s us.
- Config so simple, even your PM could use it (maybe).
Join the cult:
npx @biomejs/biome init --yes # Because "no" is not an option
Quiz Time (No Cheating) 🧪
Think you’re a Node.js 2025 guru? Prove it:
👉 Node.js 2025 Quiz
(Spoiler: You’ll fail. But that’s why we learn.)
TL;DR for the Impatient
- Ditch Node.js for Bun/Deno unless you love waiting.
- Edge > Serverless. Fight me.
- TypeScript or GTFO.
About the Author
Abhinav here—a recovering console.log addict and CTO of ExamShala.in. I write about code, career fails, and why you should never trust a dev who doesn’t meme.
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