When setting up a new codebase, every default decision compounds. The choice of package manager looks small, but it touches every install, every CI run and every new teammate. Here's why I picked Bun.
Speed That Actually Matters#
Bun installs packages dramatically faster than npm. That isn't just a benchmark number — it's time saved on every install, every CI run, every onboarding.
When you run bun install, you notice the difference immediately. On this repo, a cold install takes a couple of seconds with Bun versus well over half a minute with npm.
Native TypeScript Support#
Bun runs TypeScript natively without a separate compile step. That means faster script startup, quicker test runs and a simpler toolchain.
No more waiting for tsc or wiring complex build configuration just to run a one-off script.
Built-in Bundler and Test Runner#
Instead of juggling multiple tools, Bun ships a bundler and a test runner out of the box. Fewer dependencies, less configuration, and tools that are designed to work together.
The Developer Experience#
Beyond raw performance, the CLI is intuitive, error messages are helpful and the docs are good. It feels like a tool built by people who know the daily friction of JavaScript development.
Making the Switch#
Coming from npm or yarn, the transition is smooth. Bun understands existing package.json files and workspaces, so you can adopt it without restructuring the project.
Fast tooling isn't a luxury — it's what keeps the feedback loop short enough to stay in flow.