The goal of Node.js was supposed to be that you can use the same language in both the client and the server. So you can share code and reduce context switching, making development easier.

But now the two are so different, it's like they are two different languages. The original purpose is no longer served.

Now it requires a bunch of polyfills, shims, and build tools to make them interoperate. Half the time is spent pulling your hair out instead.

Node.js is living in an alternate reality clown world, while Deno is behaving like an actual modern web browser. Things "just work" between Deno and the web, once again fulfilling the original mission of why Node.js even exists.