execa vs shelljs vs child_process vs node-cmd
Node.js Child Process Management Libraries Comparison
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What's Node.js Child Process Management Libraries?

These libraries provide various methods for executing shell commands and managing child processes in Node.js applications. They allow developers to spawn new processes, execute commands, and handle input/output streams, making it easier to integrate system-level operations into Node.js applications. Each library has its own unique features and use cases, catering to different needs for process management and command execution.

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execa88,044,0187,023324 kB122 months agoMIT
shelljs7,868,78614,310212 kB118-BSD-3-Clause
child_process775,828159-48 years agoISC
node-cmd33,521285-74 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: execa vs shelljs vs child_process vs node-cmd

Ease of Use

  • execa:

    Execa offers a user-friendly API with promise support, making it easy to execute commands and handle results. It simplifies error handling and is designed to be intuitive for developers familiar with async programming.

  • shelljs:

    Shelljs provides a familiar shell scripting syntax that is easy to understand, allowing developers to write scripts in a way that feels natural for those accustomed to shell scripting.

  • child_process:

    The 'child_process' module is part of Node.js core, which means it requires no installation. However, it has a steeper learning curve due to its complex API and requires more boilerplate code for common tasks.

  • node-cmd:

    Node-cmd is very straightforward and easy to use, allowing you to execute commands with minimal setup. It's perfect for quick scripts and simple command execution without much overhead.

Error Handling

  • execa:

    Execa automatically rejects promises on command failure, providing a simpler error handling mechanism. It allows you to catch errors easily using try/catch blocks with async/await.

  • shelljs:

    Shelljs provides a simple way to check for errors through its API, allowing you to handle errors in a straightforward manner, similar to traditional shell scripting.

  • child_process:

    Error handling in 'child_process' requires manual checks for errors in the callback or through the 'error' event. This can lead to more complex error management in your code.

  • node-cmd:

    Node-cmd does not provide advanced error handling features, which may require additional logic to handle command failures effectively.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

  • execa:

    Execa is also cross-platform and handles command execution in a way that works seamlessly across different operating systems, making it a good choice for scripts that need to run in various environments.

  • shelljs:

    Shelljs is explicitly designed for cross-platform shell scripting, providing a consistent interface for shell commands regardless of the underlying OS.

  • child_process:

    The 'child_process' module is inherently cross-platform as it is part of Node.js, but the commands executed may vary between operating systems, requiring careful command management.

  • node-cmd:

    Node-cmd is designed to be cross-platform, but the commands you run must be compatible with the OS, which may require additional checks or adjustments in your scripts.

Performance

  • execa:

    Execa is optimized for performance with a focus on modern JavaScript features. It provides efficient handling of command execution and output, making it suitable for performance-sensitive applications.

  • shelljs:

    Shelljs performance is good for shell scripting tasks, but it may not match the efficiency of lower-level libraries like 'child_process' for heavy-duty process management.

  • child_process:

    The performance of 'child_process' can vary based on how processes are spawned and managed. It allows for high performance in scenarios where fine control over process execution is needed, but may require more resources for complex tasks.

  • node-cmd:

    Node-cmd is generally fast for simple command execution, but may not be as efficient for more complex tasks compared to other libraries.

Feature Set

  • execa:

    Execa provides a rich set of features, including promise support, improved error handling, and better output management, making it a powerful choice for modern applications.

  • shelljs:

    Shelljs provides a wide range of shell commands and scripting capabilities, making it ideal for developers looking to write comprehensive scripts in Node.js.

  • child_process:

    The 'child_process' module offers a comprehensive set of features for process management, including spawning, forking, and handling input/output streams, making it suitable for complex applications.

  • node-cmd:

    Node-cmd offers a minimal feature set focused on executing commands, which may be limiting for more complex use cases that require advanced process management.

How to Choose: execa vs shelljs vs child_process vs node-cmd
  • execa:

    Choose 'execa' for a modern, promise-based interface that simplifies the execution of shell commands. It is ideal for developers who prefer async/await syntax and want to handle command execution with better error handling and easier output management.

  • shelljs:

    Choose 'shelljs' if you require a comprehensive shell scripting solution in Node.js. It provides a rich set of shell commands and is great for writing scripts that need to perform multiple shell operations in a cross-platform manner.

  • child_process:

    Choose 'child_process' if you need a built-in solution without additional dependencies. It provides a robust API for spawning child processes and is suitable for advanced use cases where you need fine control over process execution and streams.

  • node-cmd:

    Choose 'node-cmd' if you want a straightforward and easy-to-use library for executing shell commands without much configuration. It is suitable for simple tasks where you need to run commands quickly without the overhead of more complex libraries.

Similar Npm Packages to execa

execa is a popular Node.js library that simplifies the process of executing shell commands and spawning child processes. It provides a promise-based API, making it easy to work with asynchronous operations while handling standard input, output, and error streams effectively. Execa is particularly useful for developers looking to run shell commands in a more manageable and reliable way compared to the built-in child_process module. However, there are several alternatives available that can also help with executing shell commands and managing child processes. Here are a few notable options:

  • child_process is a core Node.js module that allows you to spawn child processes and execute shell commands. While it is powerful and flexible, its API can be somewhat cumbersome, especially when dealing with asynchronous operations. Developers often find themselves writing additional boilerplate code to handle callbacks and manage streams, which can lead to less readable code. If you need a straightforward solution without adding external dependencies, the child_process module is a solid choice, but it may require more effort to use effectively.

  • cross-env is a utility that allows you to set environment variables across different operating systems in a consistent manner. While it is not a direct alternative to execa for executing commands, it is often used in conjunction with command execution libraries to ensure that environment variables are set correctly, especially when running scripts in a cross-platform environment. If your primary concern is managing environment variables while executing commands, cross-env is an excellent companion tool.

  • node-cmd is a simple Node.js library that provides a straightforward way to execute shell commands. It offers a clean API for running commands and handling their output, making it easier to work with than the native child_process module. However, it lacks some of the advanced features and flexibility that execa provides, such as promise support and better error handling. If you need a lightweight solution for executing commands without the additional features of execa, node-cmd may be suitable.

  • shelljs is a portable Unix shell commands for Node.js. It provides a comprehensive set of shell command implementations that work across different platforms. Shelljs allows you to write shell scripts in JavaScript, making it easy to execute commands and manage file operations. While it offers a rich set of features, it may be overkill if you only need to execute a few simple commands. If you are looking for a more extensive shell scripting solution, shelljs is a great option.

  • spawn-sync is a library that provides synchronous execution of shell commands. It is useful when you need to run commands in a blocking manner, ensuring that the command completes before moving on to the next line of code. However, synchronous execution can lead to performance issues in larger applications, as it blocks the event loop. If you require synchronous command execution and are aware of the potential downsides, spawn-sync can be a viable alternative.

To see how execa compares with these alternatives, check out the comparison: Comparing child_process vs cross-env vs execa vs node-cmd vs shelljs vs spawn-sync.

Similar Npm Packages to shelljs

shelljs is a popular Node.js library that provides a portable way to execute shell commands in JavaScript. It allows developers to run shell commands directly from their Node.js scripts, making it easier to automate tasks, manage files, and perform system operations without needing to switch to the command line. Shelljs offers a simple and intuitive API that mimics Unix shell commands, making it accessible for those familiar with shell scripting.

While shelljs is a powerful tool for executing shell commands, there are several alternatives that also provide similar functionality. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • child_process is a built-in Node.js module that allows you to spawn child processes in your application. It provides a more low-level API for executing shell commands and scripts. While it requires more boilerplate code compared to shelljs, it offers greater flexibility and control over the execution of child processes. If you need to handle complex scenarios or require specific configurations for your child processes, using child_process might be the right choice.

  • cross-env is a utility that allows you to set environment variables across different operating systems in a consistent manner. While it doesn't directly execute shell commands, it is often used in conjunction with other tools to ensure that environment variables are set correctly regardless of the platform. If your primary concern is managing environment variables for your scripts, cross-env is a lightweight and effective solution.

  • execa is a modern alternative to the built-in child_process module, providing a more user-friendly API for executing shell commands. It supports promises and async/await syntax, making it easier to work with asynchronous operations. Execa also includes features like improved error handling and the ability to handle streams, making it a great choice for developers looking for a more elegant solution than child_process.

  • node-cmd is another library that simplifies executing shell commands in Node.js applications. It provides a straightforward API for running commands and handling their output. While it may not have as many features as shelljs or execa, it is easy to use and can be a good option for simpler use cases.

  • shell-quote is a utility for parsing and quoting shell command strings. It is not a direct alternative for executing commands but can be useful when you need to build command strings safely. If you are working with dynamic command generation and want to ensure that your commands are properly quoted and parsed, shell-quote can be a valuable addition to your toolkit.

To explore how shelljs compares with these alternatives, check out the comparison: Comparing child_process vs cross-env vs execa vs node-cmd vs shell-quote vs shelljs.

Similar Npm Packages to node-cmd

node-cmd is a Node.js package that provides a simple way to execute shell commands from within your Node.js applications. It abstracts the complexities of spawning child processes and allows developers to run commands easily, handle their output, and manage errors. While node-cmd is a useful tool for executing shell commands, there are several alternatives that offer similar or enhanced functionalities. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • child_process is a built-in Node.js module that allows you to spawn child processes in a more granular way. It provides several methods for executing commands, such as exec, spawn, and fork, each with its own use cases. If you need fine control over the execution of shell commands and want to handle input/output streams directly, child_process is the go-to choice. It is part of the Node.js core, so there’s no need to install additional packages.
  • cross-env is a utility that allows you to set environment variables across different platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) in a consistent manner. While it does not execute commands directly, it is often used in conjunction with other command execution tools to ensure that environment variables are set correctly. If your shell commands depend on specific environment variables, cross-env can help you avoid platform-specific issues.
  • execa is a modern alternative to child_process that simplifies the process of executing shell commands. It provides a promise-based API, making it easier to work with asynchronous code. execa also includes features like improved error handling, support for streaming output, and the ability to run commands with a custom shell. If you prefer a more modern and user-friendly API for executing commands, execa is an excellent choice.
  • npm-run-all is a utility that allows you to run multiple npm scripts in parallel or sequentially. While it is not a direct alternative for executing arbitrary shell commands, it can be very useful when managing complex build processes or scripts in your package.json. If your workflow involves running multiple npm scripts, npm-run-all can help streamline that process.
  • shelljs is a portable Unix shell commands for Node.js. It provides a set of shell commands that can be used in your Node.js scripts, allowing you to execute shell commands in a way that is consistent across different platforms. If you want to write scripts that resemble shell scripts but run within a Node.js environment, shelljs is a great option.

To see how node-cmd compares with these alternatives, check out the comparison: Comparing child_process vs cross-env vs execa vs node-cmd vs npm-run-all vs shelljs.

README for execa
execa logo

Coverage Status

Process execution for humans



Execa runs commands in your script, application or library. Unlike shells, it is optimized for programmatic usage. Built on top of the child_process core module.

One of the maintainers @ehmicky is looking for a remote full-time position. Specialized in Node.js back-ends and CLIs, he led Netlify Build, Plugins and Configuration for 2.5 years. Feel free to contact him on his website or on LinkedIn!

Features

Install

npm install execa

Documentation

Execution:

Input/output:

Advanced usage:

Examples

Execution

Simple syntax

import {execa} from 'execa';

const {stdout} = await execa`npm run build`;
// Print command's output
console.log(stdout);

Script

import {$} from 'execa';

const {stdout: name} = await $`cat package.json`.pipe`grep name`;
console.log(name);

const branch = await $`git branch --show-current`;
await $`dep deploy --branch=${branch}`;

await Promise.all([
	$`sleep 1`,
	$`sleep 2`,
	$`sleep 3`,
]);

const directoryName = 'foo bar';
await $`mkdir /tmp/${directoryName}`;

Local binaries

$ npm install -D eslint

await execa({preferLocal: true})`eslint`;

Pipe multiple subprocesses

const {stdout, pipedFrom} = await execa`npm run build`
	.pipe`sort`
	.pipe`head -n 2`;

// Output of `npm run build | sort | head -n 2`
console.log(stdout);
// Output of `npm run build | sort`
console.log(pipedFrom[0].stdout);
// Output of `npm run build`
console.log(pipedFrom[0].pipedFrom[0].stdout);

Input/output

Interleaved output

const {all} = await execa({all: true})`npm run build`;
// stdout + stderr, interleaved
console.log(all);

Programmatic + terminal output

const {stdout} = await execa({stdout: ['pipe', 'inherit']})`npm run build`;
// stdout is also printed to the terminal
console.log(stdout);

Simple input

const getInputString = () => { /* ... */ };
const {stdout} = await execa({input: getInputString()})`sort`;
console.log(stdout);

File input

// Similar to: npm run build < input.txt
await execa({stdin: {file: 'input.txt'}})`npm run build`;

File output

// Similar to: npm run build > output.txt
await execa({stdout: {file: 'output.txt'}})`npm run build`;

Split into text lines

const {stdout} = await execa({lines: true})`npm run build`;
// Print first 10 lines
console.log(stdout.slice(0, 10).join('\n'));

Streaming

Iterate over text lines

for await (const line of execa`npm run build`) {
	if (line.includes('WARN')) {
		console.warn(line);
	}
}

Transform/filter output

let count = 0;

// Filter out secret lines, then prepend the line number
const transform = function * (line) {
	if (!line.includes('secret')) {
		yield `[${count++}] ${line}`;
	}
};

await execa({stdout: transform})`npm run build`;

Web streams

const response = await fetch('https://example.com');
await execa({stdin: response.body})`sort`;

Convert to Duplex stream

import {execa} from 'execa';
import {pipeline} from 'node:stream/promises';
import {createReadStream, createWriteStream} from 'node:fs';

await pipeline(
	createReadStream('./input.txt'),
	execa`node ./transform.js`.duplex(),
	createWriteStream('./output.txt'),
);

IPC

Exchange messages

// parent.js
import {execaNode} from 'execa';

const subprocess = execaNode`child.js`;
await subprocess.sendMessage('Hello from parent');
const message = await subprocess.getOneMessage();
console.log(message); // 'Hello from child'

// child.js
import {getOneMessage, sendMessage} from 'execa';

const message = await getOneMessage(); // 'Hello from parent'
const newMessage = message.replace('parent', 'child'); // 'Hello from child'
await sendMessage(newMessage);

Any input type

// main.js
import {execaNode} from 'execa';

const ipcInput = [
	{task: 'lint', ignore: /test\.js/},
	{task: 'copy', files: new Set(['main.js', 'index.js']),
}];
await execaNode({ipcInput})`build.js`;

// build.js
import {getOneMessage} from 'execa';

const ipcInput = await getOneMessage();

Any output type

// main.js
import {execaNode} from 'execa';

const {ipcOutput} = await execaNode`build.js`;
console.log(ipcOutput[0]); // {kind: 'start', timestamp: date}
console.log(ipcOutput[1]); // {kind: 'stop', timestamp: date}

// build.js
import {sendMessage} from 'execa';

const runBuild = () => { /* ... */ };

await sendMessage({kind: 'start', timestamp: new Date()});
await runBuild();
await sendMessage({kind: 'stop', timestamp: new Date()});

Graceful termination

// main.js
import {execaNode} from 'execa';

const controller = new AbortController();
setTimeout(() => {
	controller.abort();
}, 5000);

await execaNode({
	cancelSignal: controller.signal,
	gracefulCancel: true,
})`build.js`;

// build.js
import {getCancelSignal} from 'execa';

const cancelSignal = await getCancelSignal();
const url = 'https://example.com/build/info';
const response = await fetch(url, {signal: cancelSignal});

Debugging

Detailed error

import {execa, ExecaError} from 'execa';

try {
	await execa`unknown command`;
} catch (error) {
	if (error instanceof ExecaError) {
		console.log(error);
	}
	/*
	ExecaError: Command failed with ENOENT: unknown command
	spawn unknown ENOENT
			at ...
			at ... {
		shortMessage: 'Command failed with ENOENT: unknown command\nspawn unknown ENOENT',
		originalMessage: 'spawn unknown ENOENT',
		command: 'unknown command',
		escapedCommand: 'unknown command',
		cwd: '/path/to/cwd',
		durationMs: 28.217566,
		failed: true,
		timedOut: false,
		isCanceled: false,
		isTerminated: false,
		isMaxBuffer: false,
		code: 'ENOENT',
		stdout: '',
		stderr: '',
		stdio: [undefined, '', ''],
		pipedFrom: []
		[cause]: Error: spawn unknown ENOENT
				at ...
				at ... {
			errno: -2,
			code: 'ENOENT',
			syscall: 'spawn unknown',
			path: 'unknown',
			spawnargs: [ 'command' ]
		}
	}
	*/
}

Verbose mode

await execa`npm run build`;
await execa`npm run test`;
execa verbose output

Custom logging

import {execa as execa_} from 'execa';
import {createLogger, transports} from 'winston';

// Log to a file using Winston
const transport = new transports.File({filename: 'logs.txt'});
const logger = createLogger({transports: [transport]});
const LOG_LEVELS = {
	command: 'info',
	output: 'verbose',
	ipc: 'verbose',
	error: 'error',
	duration: 'info',
};

const execa = execa_({
	verbose(verboseLine, {message, ...verboseObject}) {
		const level = LOG_LEVELS[verboseObject.type];
		logger[level](message, verboseObject);
	},
});

await execa`npm run build`;
await execa`npm run test`;

Related

Maintainers

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