Deno vs axios: What are the differences?

Introduction

Deno and Axios are both used for making HTTP requests in JavaScript. However, there are several key differences between the two.

1. Deno: Deno is a secure JavaScript and TypeScript runtime built on V8, the same JavaScript engine that powers Google Chrome. It provides a set of built-in modules for various functionalities such as file system access, networking, and HTTP requests. Unlike Node.js, Deno does not use NPM and instead imports modules directly from URLs.

2. Axios: Axios is a popular JavaScript library used for making HTTP requests in both browser and Node.js environments. It provides a simple and intuitive API for performing requests and handling responses. Axios supports features like request and response interception, automatic request retry, and built-in support for handling cookies.

3. Module system: One key difference between Deno and Axios is their module systems. Deno has a built-in module system that allows you to import modules directly from URLs, without the need for a package manager. On the other hand, Axios relies on NPM or Yarn for managing and importing modules.

4. Runtime environment: Deno is designed to run JavaScript and TypeScript in a secure and isolated environment. It provides runtime security features like controlled access to network, file system, and environment variables. In contrast, Axios is a library that can be used in both browser and Node.js environments, without any built-in security features specific to the runtime.

5. Built-in functionality: Deno provides several built-in modules for common functionalities like file system access, networking, and HTTP requests. This means you don't need to rely on external libraries or packages for these features. On the other hand, Axios focuses solely on making HTTP requests and does not provide built-in modules for other functionalities.

6. Community and ecosystem: Deno is a relatively newer project compared to Axios, which has a larger community and a more mature ecosystem. Axios has been extensively used and tested in production environments, and there are various plugins and integrations available to extend its functionality. Deno, being newer, is still growing its community and ecosystem.

In summary, Deno and Axios differ in their module systems, runtime environments, built-in functionality, and community support. Deno provides a secure and isolated runtime with built-in modules, while Axios is a widely used library specifically focused on making HTTP requests.