nubjs/nub

Nub is a single command-line tool that replaces a handful of utilities JavaScript developers normally juggle separately. It runs your TypeScript and JavaScript files, executes project scripts, installs packages, manages which version of Node you are using, and handles package manager shims. The pitch is that you get the fast, streamlined experience of newer runtimes like Bun without actually abandoning the standard Node.js ecosystem. At its core, the tool works by augmenting the regular Node.js process rather than replacing it. When you run a file, it automatically figures out which version of Node your project expects, installs it if necessary, and runs your code with it. Because the tool itself is written in Rust, it avoids the startup delay that JavaScript-based tools suffer from. This makes everyday operations like running a script or launching a local package feel nearly instantaneous compared to the noticeable lag of standard tools like npm or npx. This project is for developers and teams already working in the Node.js ecosystem who want a faster, more consolidated workflow. For example, if you are tired of waiting hundreds of milliseconds just for a script runner to start, or if you want to run a TypeScript file directly without setting up a separate compiler step, this handles it. It is also useful for teams with monorepo setups, as it supports advanced workspace filtering features that power users expect from tools like pnpm. What stands out is the project's focus on compatibility and security. When you use it to install packages, it automatically detects which package manager your project already uses, whether that is npm, pnpm, Yarn, or Bun, and respects that tool's configuration files and lockfiles. It also blocks postinstall scripts by default, checks for known malicious packages, and refuses to install packages that are less than 24 hours old, adding a strong layer of protection against supply chain attacks.