Guide · Open source
How to use Browserify: Node-style require() in the browser
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Browserify is an MIT-licensed JavaScript tool that lets you write code with Node.js's require() module system and package it into a single file a web browser can load. It is aimed at web developers who already write Node.js-style CommonJS modules and want to share code between server and browser. This guide explains what it is, what the project's README says about getting started, and how to decide whether it fits your project.
Browserifybrowserify/browserify · ★ 14.7k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check prerequisites. Install Node.js, since the README lists it as the prerequisite.
- 2Get the source. Clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/browserify/browserify to read or work with the code locally.
- 3Read the project documentation. The README excerpt is short, so review the full README and docs in the repository for usage details.
- 4Write Node-style modules. Organise your browser code into CommonJS modules that use require().
- 5Bundle for the browser. Follow the project's documented bundling process to produce a single file the browser can load.
- 6Compare alternatives if needed. If your needs differ, evaluate webpack, esbuild or Rollup before committing.
What Browserify does
Browserify brings the Node.js require() style to browser code. You write modules the way you would for Node.js, and Browserify combines them into one file that a browser can load.
The project describes itself on its homepage as browser-side require() the node.js way.
- Input: JavaScript written with Node.js require() and CommonJS-style modules
- Output: a single file a web browser can load
- License: MIT
What you need before you start
The README lists Node.js as the prerequisite for this project. Make sure Node.js is installed on your machine before you work with Browserify.
Basic familiarity with Node.js-style modules helps. The README excerpt gives little setup guidance, so expect to consult the project's full documentation for usage details.
- Node.js installed
- Some experience writing CommonJS modules with require()
Get the Browserify source
The install method for this project is a package manager, and the README excerpt shows how to clone the repository. The command below is copied from the README.
Cloning gives you the source code locally so you can read it, inspect it or work with it directly.
git clone https://github.com/browserify/browserifyWrite modules with require()
Structure your browser code the way you would for Node.js. Split logic into modules and load them with require(). This lets you reuse Node libraries in browser code, which is one of the main reasons teams use Browserify.
Projects that already maintain a Browserify build can keep their existing module layout and build setup.
- Use CommonJS-style require() calls in your browser code
- Reuse Node libraries in code that runs in the browser
- Keep existing Browserify build setups working as they are
Compare Browserify with other bundlers
The project's comparable tools are webpack, esbuild and Rollup. The README excerpt does not compare Browserify with them, so this guide does not make performance or feature claims about them.
If your project depends on a different ecosystem, check each tool's own documentation before you choose.
- webpack
- esbuild
- Rollup
What people use it for
- Sharing utility code between a Node.js server and browser front end
- Reusing existing Node libraries in browser-side JavaScript
- Maintaining an existing Browserify build in an older web project
Frequently asked questions
Is Browserify free to use?
Yes, the project is MIT licensed, as stated in the source. Check the LICENSE file in the repository for the full terms.
What do I need to install Browserify?
The README lists Node.js as the prerequisite. The install method for this project is a package manager, and the README excerpt shows how to clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/browserify/browserify.
What is Browserify used for?
It lets developers write code with Node.js require() and package it into a single file a browser can load. It is commonly used to share code between server and browser using the same module style.
Is Browserify beginner friendly?
It is best suited to developers who already know Node.js-style CommonJS modules. The README excerpt provides little setup guidance, so beginners without module experience may find it hard to start.
What are the alternatives to Browserify?
The project lists webpack, esbuild and Rollup as comparable tools. The README excerpt does not compare Browserify with them, so review each one against your needs.
Browserify vs webpack: which should I use?
The source does not include a comparison. If you are starting a new project, evaluate webpack, esbuild and Rollup alongside Browserify. If you already maintain a Browserify build, keeping it may be the simplest choice.
New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week
The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.
Our verdict
Browserify suits web developers who already write Node.js-style CommonJS modules, teams that want to reuse Node libraries in browser code, and projects that already maintain a Browserify build. Beginners without module experience, or teams whose needs point to a different bundler ecosystem, should look at webpack, esbuild or Rollup instead.
Install options & downloads