Node.js in 2026: Modern Practices You Should Be Using

Node.js continues to be a powerhouse for backend JavaScript applications, but how we write Node apps in 2025 vastly differs from just a few years ago. With the evolving JavaScript ecosystem and rapid tooling innovations, sticking to old patterns can hold you back.

Here's a look at the modern Node.js practices you should use in 2025 to write cleaner, faster, and future-proof code.

1. ES Modules(ESM) First

In 2025, ES Modules are not just supported — they're the default.

Why It Matters:

ESM allows for better interop with modern JavaScript tools, supports top-level await, and aligns Node.js with browser-based module systems. It's time to ditch require and embrace import.

Best Practices:

• Use .mjs file extensions or set "type": "module" In your package.json.
• Prefer import/export syntax over require/module.exports.
• Take advantage of top-level await to simplify async bootstrapping code.

// file name: app.mjs
import { express } from 'express';

const app = express();
app.use("/", (req, res)=>{
  res.send("Hello World");
});

2. Native fetch API Support

Node.js now ships with a native fetch() implementation, just like in the browser.

Why It Matters:

No more installing node-fetch. The global fetch() API is built-in and fully standards-compliant.

Best Practices:

• Use fetch() for HTTP requests instead of legacy HTTP libraries unless you need low-level control.
• Combine with AbortController for request timeouts and cancellations.

const controller = new AbortController();
setTimeout(() => controller.abort(), 5000);

try {
  const res = await fetch('https://api.fakeapiexample.com/data', {
    signal: controller.signal
  });
  const data = await res.json();
  console.log(data);
} catch (err) {
  console.error('Error in request is: ', err);
}

3. Modern Testing with Vitest

The testing ecosystem has shifted. Jest is still relevant, but Vitest is the new favorite among developers working with modern JS and TypeScript.

Why It Matters:

Vitest is fast, supports ESM out of the box, has tight integration with Vite (though not required), and works seamlessly with TypeScript.

Best Practices:

• Use Vitest for unit, integration, and component testing.
• Leverage features like snapshot testing, mock support, and parallel test execution.

Install with:

npm install -D vitest

Run tests with:

npx vitest run

4. Bun Compatibility

Bun has emerged as a performance-focused alternative runtime for JavaScript and TypeScript. It's not a Node.js replacement (yet), but being Bun-compatible is quickly becoming a sign of a forward-thinking project.

Why It Matters:

Bun offers:

• Blazing-fast runtime and tooling
• Native TypeScript support
• Built-in bundler, test runner, and package manager

Best Practices:

• Ensure your project runs on both Node and Bun.
• Avoid deep dependencies on Node-specific APIs unless necessary.
• Use polyfills or abstraction layers when possible.

bun install
bun run index.ts

Bun is outstanding and useful for running lightweight servers, build tools, or CLIs.

5. TypeScript, Even for Small Projects

Zod can be used with Node.js for schema validations(Image Source: https://dev.to/osalumense/validating-request-data-in-expressjs-using-zod-a-comprehensive-guide-3a0j)

By now, TypeScript isn't just a "nice-to-have." It's standard for serious Node.js development.

Why It Matters:

TypeScript allows to definition of different types of variables, function parameters, and arguments, which indeed help the compiler catch type-related errors during the development phase and help developers coming from other languages to use a Strictly Typed language.

Although TypeScript will soon be using Golang inside the architecture, which will make it more fast and quick.

Best Practices:

• Use tsconfig.json With strict mode enabled.
• Prefer interfaces and types for function contracts and data models.
• Combine with modern runtime validation tools zod for safe, typed I/O.

import { z } from 'zod';

const UserSchema = z.object({
  name: z.string(),
  age: z.number().min(18),
});

const input = { name: 'Alice', age: 25 };
const parsed = UserSchema.parse(input);

6. Dotenv is (Still) Your Friend — But Don't Hardcode

Managing configuration with .env Files are still valid, but pair them with validation tools and secrets managers in production.

Best Practices:

• Use dotenv only in development or staging.
• Validate config using libraries like env-var or zod.
• Keep secrets out of version control.

import { config } from 'dotenv';
config();

import { cleanEnv, str, port } from 'envalid';

const env = cleanEnv(process.env, {
  NODE_ENV: str(),
  PORT: port({ default: 3000 }),
});

7. Zero-Config Dev Environments

Tools like tsx and nodemon have given way to simpler workflows. Prefer zero-config CLIs like:

• tsx: Run TS files directly with ESM support.
• bun:Directly runs .ts and .js with built-in TypeScript support.
• nodemon: It helps to run .js file in the Node environment and helps in loading the app within milliseconds whenever we update the code.

With tsx:

npx tsx app.ts

With Nodemon:

nodemon app.js

8. Process Management with PM2: Keep Your Node App Alive

In production, your Node.js application needs to be resilient. Crashes, memory leaks, and restarts shouldn't bring your service down. PM2 (Process Manager 2) remains one of the most reliable tools for keeping your app alive and well-managed.

Why It Matters:

PM2 handles process restarts, monitoring, clustering, and log management with zero downtime. It's especially helpful when running apps outside containerized environments or on self-managed servers.

Best Practices:

• Use PM2 to run and monitor your app in the background.
• Enable clustering to take advantage of multi-core CPUs.
• Use log rotation and process auto-restart features.

npm install -g pm2
pm2 start app.js --name my-app

Cluster Mode Example:

pm2 start app.js -i max

• -i max: Spawns as many instances as CPU cores (uses Node.js cluster module under the hood).
• View logs with pm2 logs.

PM2 also supports ecosystem configuration files and integrates with Docker and CI/CD pipelines.

Final Thoughts:

Node.js in 2025 is fast, modern, and cleaner than ever before — but only if you're keeping up. Embrace ES Modules, native APIs, and cutting-edge tools like Vitest and Bun. These practices won't just make your code better — they'll make you a more effective developer.

Whether you're building REST APIs, CLIs, or full-stack apps, the future of Node.js is modular, fast, and typed.

Great, you have reached the end. Thanks for Reading.

Author: Aryan Garg