---
type: reference
title: Node.js and JavaScript
description: Current bootstrap, tooling, and framework best practices for Node.js and JavaScript projects.
tags:
  - node
  - javascript
  - typescript
  - bootstrap
  - engineering
timestamp: 2026-08-11
verified: 2026-08-28
---

CUT
# Node.js and JavaScript

This page covers current (2025/2026) best practices for Node.js and JavaScript projects.

## Runtime and Package Manager

Use Node.js 22 LTS or Node.js 24 LTS. Use these versions for stability in production.

Choose a package manager by project type:

* npm for the default.
* pnpm for monorepos.
* Bun as an all-in-one runtime, package manager, test runner, and bundler.

## TypeScript

TypeScript is the default for new projects. Configure `strict: true` in `tsconfig.json`. Target `ES2022` or later. Use `module: ESNext` and `moduleResolution: bundler`.

## Bootstrap

Scaffold a Vite project with:

```bash
npm create vite@latest my-app -- --template react-ts
```

Scaffold a full-stack SSR app with Next.js:

```bash
npx create-next-app@latest my-app --yes
```

## Tooling

| Category | Tool | Notes |
|----------|------|-------|
| Linter | ESLint 9 with flat config | Use `eslint.config.mjs`. |
| Formatter | Prettier or Biome | Biome is faster and Prettier-compatible. |
| Testing | Vitest or Jest | Vitest is the default for Vite projects. |
| Bundler | Vite or Turbopack | Turbopack is the Next.js default. |

Use Biome if you want one fast tool for lint and format. Biome gained many lint rules from ESLint and TypeScript ESLint.

## Frameworks

* Express and Fastify for minimal servers.
* NestJS for structured, opinionated applications.
* Next.js for full-stack React with server-side rendering.

## Monorepos

Use Turborepo or Nx for JavaScript and TypeScript monorepos. Combine these tools with pnpm workspaces for dependency management.

## Related Technologies

* Remix, Nuxt, Astro, and SvelteKit as other meta-frameworks.
* Deno as an alternative runtime.
* esm.sh as a CDN for npm packages as ES modules.

## Citations

* [Node.js releases](https://nodejs.org/en/about/releases)
* [Vite](https://vite.dev/)
* [Biome](https://biomejs.dev/)
* [Vitest](https://vitest.dev/)
* [Bun](https://bun.com/)
* [Next.js documentation](https://nextjs.org/docs)

## See Also

* [React](react.md)
* [SDLC and Tooling](../sdlc.md)