node-fetch vs superagent
Side-by-side comparison of node-fetch and superagent
- Weekly Downloads
- 101.7M
- Stars
- 8.9K
- Gzip Size
- 26.6 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 1y ago
- Open Issues
- 223
- Forks
- 1.0K
- Unpacked Size
- 107.3 kB
- Dependencies
- 6
- Weekly Downloads
- 15.0M
- Stars
- 16.7K
- Gzip Size
- 94.0 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 1mo ago
- Open Issues
- 180
- Forks
- 1.3K
- Unpacked Size
- 544.5 kB
- Dependencies
- 39
Download Trends
Verdict
node-fetch excels in providing a minimalistic yet fully-compliant Fetch API for Node.js, making it an excellent choice for developers looking for lightweight HTTP requests in server-side applications. Conversely, superagent offers a more feature-rich API with fluent syntax, appealing to those who need greater flexibility and functionality in both browser and Node.js environments.
For projects that require a straightforward implementation for basic HTTP requests and where lightweight performance is prioritized, node-fetch is a solid option. However, if your team is experienced and your project can benefit from advanced features like request chaining and detailed response handling, superagent is likely the better choice due to its rich functionality.
Node-fetch's smaller bundle size and simplicity may lead to an easier integration process, while superagent's larger size reflects its extensive feature set. Developers should consider their project's complexity and their team's familiarity with handling HTTP requests when deciding which library to adopt.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | node-fetch | superagent |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT license facilitating wide usage and contribution. | Also MIT licensed, ensuring similar freedom of use. |
| Bundle Size | ✓Compact at 26.6 kB (gzip), promoting quick load times. | Larger at 94.0 kB (gzip), potentially impacting performance. |
| Open Issues | 223 open issues may indicate a range of ongoing improvements. | ✓180 open issues reflect a slightly more managed codebase. |
| GitHub Forks | 1.0K forks indicating reasonable interest in contributing. | ✓1.3K forks, suggesting more substantial community engagement. |
| GitHub Stars | 8.9K stars reflecting solid interest and trust in the library. | ✓16.7K stars showcasing greater popularity and user esteem. |
| Last Updated | Last updated on 2024-08-13, relatively recent. | ✓Last updated on 2026-01-06, indicating ongoing maintenance. |
| Learning Curve | ✓Straightforward API makes it easy for newcomers. | Fluent API might require more time to master due to its features. |
| Overall Purpose | ✓Best for lightweight, compliant Fetch API implementation in Node.js. | Ideal for feature-rich HTTP needs across browser and Node.js. |
| Weekly Downloads | ✓Extremely popular with 101.4M downloads, signaling strong community support. | Moderately popular with 14.9M downloads, indicating a dedicated user base. |