What is?
Deno is a modern JavaScript runtime designed for executing JavaScript, TypeScript, and WebAssembly. It was created by Ryan Dahl, the original creator of Node.js, who sought to address certain design issues in Node.js. Deno is built on the V8 JavaScript engine and utilizes the Rust programming language.
Deno stands out as a secure and efficient runtime environment that provides a range of features for web development. It prioritizes security by introducing a permission-based model, allowing fine-grained control over access to resources like the file system, network, and environment variables. Additionally, Deno supports TypeScript out of the box, offering a statically typed alternative to JavaScript.
History
The journey of Deno began as an effort to overcome limitations in Node.js. Ryan Dahl's dissatisfaction with certain aspects of Node.js led to the inception of Deno. The development of Deno marked a fresh start, incorporating lessons learned from Node.js and implementing improvements to enhance security, reliability, and developer experience.
Key Points
Security Features:
- Motivation: Deno was created to address security issues in Node.js, which led to the implementation of security measures by default.
- Enforced Security: Deno enforces security by default, introducing a permission-based model. It provides fine-grained control over resource access, mitigating potential vulnerabilities in web applications.
Support for TypeScript:
- Built-in TypeScript Support: Deno natively supports TypeScript without the need for additional configurations. This enhances the development experience by offering static typing and improved code organization.
- TypeScript Focus: Deno's emphasis on TypeScript aligns with modern development practices, allowing developers to seamlessly write and execute TypeScript code.
Motivations Behind Creation:
- Addressing Node.js Limitations: Deno was conceived as a response to limitations in Node.js, aiming to rectify inherent design issues.
- Focus on Security, Performance, and Ease of Use: Ryan Dahl, Deno's creator, focused on building a runtime that excels in security, performance, and ease of use, making it a compelling alternative to Node.js.
