Deno Land has released Deno 2.3, a significant update to its JavaScript and TypeScript runtime, introducing improvements that enhance developer functionality and streamline deployment. Central to this release is the upgrade to the Deno compile function, which now supports native libraries and Node plug-ins via Foreign Function Interface (FFI) and Node native add-ons. Developers can exclude certain files from the embedding process for greater control over compiled binaries, facilitating distribution without the need for Deno installation or additional dependencies.
Included in this update is the Deno.build.standalone boolean feature that detects self-contained environments, aimed at ensuring specific code behavior where needed. Local NPM package support is also extended, allowing for seamless local testing and management of node_modules directories, thereby improving local development efficiency.
The enhancements continue with support for formatting embedded CSS, HTML, and SQL, and expanded OpenTelemetry capabilities, which now offer event recording and span context propagators. Registry flags ease package installations, while improved integration with Microsoft Defender via executable signing enhances security on Windows. Visual Studio Code interoperability is enhanced, particularly benefiting Jupyter users. Upgrades to TypeScript 5.8 and V8 13.5 bring better performance and language features to the runtime. With these updates, Deno 2.3 positions itself as a more versatile and efficient option for developers seeking robust integration and operational efficiency in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
