Head-to-Head: node-fetch vs Request (deprecated) Analysis
node-fetch
v3.3.2(about 1 year ago)
Node-fetch is a light-weight module that brings window.fetch to Node.js environment, allowing you to make HTTP requests in a simple and efficient way. It provides a modern, Promise-based API for fetching resources over the network, supporting features like streaming responses, custom headers, and handling different types of data.
Alternatives:
axios-+
got-+
superagent-+
bent-+
ky-+
isomorphic-fetch-+
undici-+
make-fetch-happen-+
cross-fetch-+
snekfetch-+
Tags: node.jshttpfetchpromise-basednetwork
request
v2.88.2(over 4 years ago)
Request is a simplified HTTP client for Node.js that makes it easy to make HTTP requests to external servers. It provides a high-level interface for sending HTTP requests and handling responses, supporting features like streaming, authentication, and cookie handling. Request is widely used for making API calls, fetching data from web services, and interacting with external APIs.
Both Node-fetch and Request are popular npm packages for making HTTP requests in Node.js. However, Request has been around for longer and has a larger user base, making it more widely recognized and commonly used.
Size
Node-fetch is a lightweight and minimalistic package, which only includes the functionality needed for making HTTP requests. Request, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive package that includes additional features like request pooling, cookies, and multipart form data. As a result, Request has a larger code base and may be heavier in size.
Flexibility
Node-fetch provides a simple and straightforward API that aligns well with the modern Fetch API, making it easy to use and integrate with other libraries. Request, on the other hand, offers a more extensive and flexible API with support for various request options like headers, authentication, and custom transformations. This flexibility can be advantageous for complex scenarios but may be overwhelming for simple use cases.
Support and Maintenance
Both Node-fetch and Request are actively maintained and have a supportive community. However, Node-fetch is more modern and aligns with the current web standards, which improves its long-term supportability. Request, while still widely used, has entered maintenance mode and is not actively adding new features.
Performance
Node-fetch is known for its excellent performance and is often recommended for its speed and efficiency. It leverages the native Fetch API in Node.js and provides a lightweight implementation. Request, being a more comprehensive package, may have slightly more overhead due to additional features and dependencies. However, the performance difference between the two is generally negligible in most use cases.
