What is the difference between require and import in Node.js?
PICTURE THIS: STACK VS QUEUE
Simple meaning
require is CommonJS and loads modules synchronously.
WHY — Node.js instead of guessing?
Why interviewers care about Node.js:
contrast on Node.js, not two memorised paragraphs.
the developer, then one case where picking wrong hurts.
Name the idea, why it exists, then one short example.
End with when you use it and one common pitfall.
STEPS — What happens step by step?
Before you speak the answer, walk the interviewer through these steps:
- 1require is CommonJS and
loads modules synchronously.
- 2import is ES modules,
which is the modern standard and supports static analysis.
- 3Many Node projects set
type module in package.json and use import throughout.
- 4Give an example
One tiny concrete case you can say aloud.
- 5Common mistake
What juniors usually get wrong.
- 6Close
When you pick this over the alternative.
EXAMPLE — See it in action
Here's a short line you can speak, broken into clear beats:
Note: Adapt this scaffold to your own project — keep it under 60–90 seconds.
Key takeaway
require is CommonJS and loads modules synchronously. import is ES modules, which is the modern standard and supports static analysis.