Node.js supports two primary module systems: CommonJS and ECMAScript Modules (ESM). Let’s break down each one and highlight their differences:
CommonJS is the original module system for Node.js. It uses the require function to import modules and module.exports or exports to export them.
Features:
- Synchronous loading of modules.
 - Each file is treated as a separate module.
 -  CommonJS is the default module system in Node.js. Files with a .js extension are treated as CommonJS modules unless specified otherwise
 
ECMAScript Modules (ESM) are the standardized module system for JavaScript, used in both browsers and Node.js. It uses import and export statements.
Features:
- Asynchronous loading of modules.
 - Static analysis of imports and exports, which can improve performance and tooling.
 - Supports top-level await.
 - To use ESM in Node.js, you need to set 'type': 'module' in your package.json or use the .mjs file extension.
 
Key Differences:
- Syntax: CommonJS uses require and module.exports, while ESM uses import and export.
 - Loading: CommonJS modules are loaded synchronously, whereas ESM modules are loaded asynchronously.
 - Scope: ESM supports block-scoped imports and exports, which can lead to better optimisation and tree-shaking.
 - Compatibility: CommonJS is more widely used in existing Node.js projects, but ESM is the standard for modern JavaScript development and is increasingly adopted.
 
Both module systems have their own advantages and use cases. CommonJS is great for compatibility with existing Node.js code, while ESM is the future-proof choice for modern JavaScript development.