Native fetch over dependencies

Prefer Node.js native fetch API over external HTTP client libraries like `node-fetch` when the target Node.js version supports stable native functionality. While fetch is available from Node.js 18+, it's considered stable from version 21 onwards.

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Prefer Node.js native fetch API over external HTTP client libraries like node-fetch when the target Node.js version supports stable native functionality. While fetch is available from Node.js 18+, it’s considered stable from version 21 onwards.

Before adding HTTP client dependencies, evaluate:

  • Target Node.js version compatibility
  • Native API stability requirements
  • Whether external dependencies provide necessary additional features

Example of unnecessary dependency:

// Avoid when targeting Node.js >= 21
"dependencies": {
  "node-fetch": "3.3.2"  // Remove if native fetch suffices
}

This reduces bundle size, eliminates potential security vulnerabilities from external packages, and leverages platform-native optimizations. Only retain HTTP client libraries when they provide essential features not available in the native fetch API or when targeting older Node.js versions where native fetch is unstable.

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