Differences

One of the differences between require and import is that require is used to load modules in Node.js, while import is used to import modules in JavaScript.

Another important difference is that require returns an object, while import returns a reference to the module.

This means that when you use require, you can assign the return to a variable and use that variable to access the module's properties and methods.

With import you need to directly access the properties and methods of the imported module, in short, require is used to load modules in Node.js and is a built-in function, while import is used to import modules in JavaScript and is a keyword from ECMAScript 6, and is not natively supported by Node.js.

Require

O require é uma função built-in do Node.js e é usado para carregar módulos de arquivos externos e pacotes instalados globalmente. Ele também pode ser usado para carregar módulos internos do Node.js, como http e fs.

Exemplo de importação com require:

// módulo "myModule.js"
const myVariable = 'Hello World';
function myFunction() {
    console.log('This is my function');
}
module.exports = { myVariable, myFunction }




// arquivo "main.js"
const myModule = require('./myModule');
console.log(myModule.myVariable); // imprime "Hello World"
myModule.myFunction(); // imprime "This is my function"

Import

Import is a JavaScript keyword, it was introduced from the ECMAScript 6 (ES6) version and is not supported by Node.js, to use this functionality it is necessary to use a transpiler that can transpile the code to a version that Node.js understands.

Import example with import:

// módulo "myModule.js"
export const myVariable = 'Hello World';
export function myFunction() {
    console.log('This is my function');
}

// arquivo "main.js"
import { myVariable, myFunction } from './myModule';
console.log(myVariable); // imprime "Hello World"
myFunction(); // imprime "This is my function"

However, it is important to note that JavaScript has evolved a lot in recent years with the introduction of ECMAScript 6 (ES6) and later versions. One of the key additions was the introduction of ES6 modules, which provide a clearer and more powerful syntax for importing and exporting modules.

With the introduction of ES6 modules, many developers have adopted this new syntax as an alternative to require, especially in modern projects. ES6 modules offer advanced features such as named imports, asynchronous imports, and dynamic imports that can bring benefits in terms of code readability, maintainability, and performance.

Therefore, rather than avoiding require, it is more accurate to say that developers are preferring to use ES6 modules whenever possible, especially in modern JavaScript projects and environments that support this syntax. However, in older environments or in specific cases, require is still widely used and remains a valid option for including modules in JavaScript.

Using import instead of require in JavaScript has some advantages, especially when it comes to modern projects that make use of ECMAScript 6 (ES6) features and development environments that support modules. Some reasons why import is preferred in many cases:

• Clearer and more concise syntax.
• Controlled import scope.
• Native support for modules.
• Asynchronous and dynamic imports.
• Construction and bundling tools.

However, it is important to mention that in certain contexts, such as older projects or environments that do not natively support ES6 modules, it may still be necessary to use require. require is a commonly used function in environments like Node.js and is supported by package management systems like npm. Therefore, the choice between import and require depends on the project context, the supported ECMAScript versions, and the specific requirements of the development environment.

**Source: **https://horadecodar.com.br/qual-a-diferenca-entre-require-e-import-no-node-js/