Registry / bal-util

bal-util

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library2.8.0jsnpmunverified

bal-util is a collection of common utility functions designed for Node.js environments, providing capabilities for flow control, asynchronous and synchronous task management, and path manipulation. The package bundles re-exports from other `bal-` prefixed utility libraries like `bal-clone`, `bal-is`, and `bal-path`. The current stable version is 2.8.0, which was published approximately nine years ago (as of 2026). It was developed against Node.js v0.12 and earlier, and primarily uses CommonJS modules. Due to its age and complete lack of recent updates, the package is largely unsuitable for modern Node.js development, lacking support for contemporary JavaScript features, asynchronous patterns (like Promises or async/await), and TypeScript. Its release cadence is non-existent, as it appears to be an abandoned project. While it provided a useful set of utilities for its era, newer alternatives offer superior performance, maintenance, and features for current application development.

npm install bal-util
github ↗package ↗
INSTALL
IMPORT
SIG · BAL-UTIL
B
bal-util
javascriptv2.8.0
Install
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Import
—
Disk
—
Pass rate
0/ 6
Env Coverage0 / 6
glibc
18–22
musl
18–22
Install & Compatibility
Where this runs
tested against v? · npm install
Install × environment matrix
Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux
musl
node 18–226 runs
build_error
glibc
node 18–226 runs
build_error
Code
Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

balUtil
✓ const balUtil = require('bal-util');
✗ import balUtil from 'bal-util';
This package is CommonJS-only and requires `require()` for module loading. Direct ESM `import` statements will fail.
extend
✓ const { extend } = require('bal-util');
✗ import { extend } from 'bal-util';
Individual utilities are exposed as named exports from the main `bal-util` object, but still accessed via `require()`.
path
✓ const { path } = require('bal-util'); // or const balUtil = require('bal-util'); balUtil.path.join(...);
`path` is a sub-module of `bal-util`, exposing its own set of utilities like `join`, `resolve`, etc.

Demonstrates requiring the `bal-util` package and using its `extend`, `path.join`, `isArray`, and `isString` utility functions to manipulate objects, paths, and check types.

const balUtil = require('bal-util'); // Example 1: Extending objects const obj1 = { a: 1, b: { c: 2 } }; const obj2 = { b: { d: 3 }, e: 4 }; const extendedObj = balUtil.extend({}, obj1, obj2, { f: 5 }); console.log('Extended Object:', extendedObj); // Expected: { a: 1, b: { c: 2, d: 3 }, e: 4, f: 5 } (deep merge might not be default, depending on implementation) // Example 2: Path manipulation (if `path` module is present) // This assumes bal-util.path behaves like Node.js's native path module const fullPath = balUtil.path.join('/users', 'temp', 'data.txt'); console.log('Joined Path:', fullPath); // Example 3: Type checking const isArrayCheck = balUtil.isArray([]); const isStringCheck = balUtil.isString('hello'); console.log('Is [] an array?', isArrayCheck); console.log('Is "hello" a string?', isStringCheck);
Debug
Known issues
breakingThe package explicitly requires Node.js version `>=0.12`. Using it in modern Node.js environments (v12+, v14+, etc.) will likely lead to compatibility issues or unexpected behavior due to API changes and evolving JavaScript syntax.
fix
It is strongly recommended to use modern, maintained utility libraries (e.g., Lodash, native Node.js/JavaScript features) that support current Node.js versions. If absolutely necessary, run in a legacy Node.js environment or transpile meticulously.
affects: >=3.0.0
gotchaThis package is CommonJS-only. Attempting to use `import` statements directly in an ES module (`.mjs` file or `"type": "module"` in package.json) will result in an `ERR_REQUIRE_ESM` or similar error.
fix
Ensure your project or file uses CommonJS (`.js` files with `"type": "commonjs"` or no `type` field) and use `const balUtil = require('bal-util');` for imports. For ES modules, consider using a bundler like Webpack or Rollup, or migrate to a modern utility library.
affects: >=2.0.0
gotchaThe `bal-util` package has not been updated in approximately nine years. This means it lacks security patches, bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for modern JavaScript features. Relying on an unmaintained dependency can introduce security vulnerabilities (e.g., supply chain attacks) and stability issues into your application.
fix
Migrate away from `bal-util` to a actively maintained and up-to-date utility library or utilize native JavaScript and Node.js APIs for similar functionalities.
affects: all
Errors
Common errors & fixes
ReferenceError: require is not defined
Attempting to use `require()` in an ES module context (e.g., an `.mjs` file or a `.js` file in a project with `"type": "module"` in `package.json`).
fix
If your project is an ES module, you cannot directly use `require()`. Change your file to CommonJS (`.js` with no `type` field or `"type": "commonjs"`), or ideally, migrate to a modern utility library that supports ESM `import`.
TypeError: balUtil.someFunction is not a function
Trying to call a function (`someFunction`) that does not exist on the `balUtil` object, was removed in a specific (though unlikely for this package) version, or is part of a sub-module (e.g., `balUtil.path.join` instead of `balUtil.join`).
fix
Consult the `bal-util` source code or historical documentation to verify the correct function name and its accessibility path. Ensure you are using `balUtil.submodule.functionName` if it's nested.
npm ERR! engines { 'node': '>=0.12' }
Your current Node.js version does not meet the minimum requirement specified in the `bal-util` package's `engines` field.
fix
Although `npm install` with `--force` or `--legacy-peer-deps` might bypass this, it's not recommended. The core issue is `bal-util`'s extreme age. The best fix is to replace `bal-util` with a modern, actively maintained alternative that supports your current Node.js version.
Upgrade
Version history
2.8.0latest on npm
Audit
Dependencies

No dependency data recorded yet.

Agent activity
2 hits · last 30 days
node
2
Resources
githubhttps://github.com/balupton/bal-util ↗
packagehttps://www.npmjs.com/package/bal-util ↗
bal-util — npm install bal-util · libregistry