v1.17.0
v1.17.0
One binary
Runs JavaScript and TypeScript.
For engineers evaluating a runtime. Scripts, tests, a local server, and agent tools start from this command. Every stable capability has a written contract, and the contract also says what is missing.
v1.17.0, MIT license. Scorecard generated 2026-09-24, 56 of 56 passed. It is a regression gate, not proof that Amber replaces Node.
curl -fsSL
https:/
https:/
install.sh
- StableA written contract, tests pinned in CI, limits written beside the API.
- PreviewIn the default build. You can try it. It is not a compatibility promise.
- TypeScript directlyTypes are stripped. Stack traces point at the .ts line. No typecheck.
- Tests without a frameworkamber test finds describe, test, and expect. watch reruns the whole process.
- ExperimentalThe code exists. Until it graduates, it is not a product promise.
- Not supportedExplicitly out of scope. It fails outright. No stub.
- One file serves HTTPamber serve runs one fetch handler. The https flag uses rustls.
- Nothing is allowed by defaultThe sandbox denies files, network, environment, and subprocesses until a path or host is named.
Run this file.
Read the contract, then depend on it.
- InstallmacOS, Linux, Windows, or a source build.
Uninstalling means deleting the binary. - Runamber run, or open the repl.
Tests are written with describe, test, and expect. - Read the contractBefore you depend on a module,
open the limits it writes down. - Export toolsexport-tools prints the schema and exits.
It does not run the tools or call a model.
Not this
- Not NodeEach module promises only the subset in its contract.
- No typecheckTypeScript only strips types.
- Not npmamber install is not npm, yarn, or pnpm.
- No performance numbersNothing is published without a commit, a command, hardware, and a correctness check.
- parallel is rejectedThat flag exits with status 2.
Questions
Can Amber replace Node?
No. Each module promises only the subset written in its contract.
What does Stable mean?
A written contract, and tests that pin it. The source of truth is docs/CURRENT_SCOPE.md.
Does it typecheck?
No. It only strips types.
Are there performance numbers?
None are published. Performance titles in older posts are not current promises.
Does Windows install work?
Yes. Use install.ps1. The releases page also has a zip.
Is amber install npm?
No. It installs the dependencies in package.json. add, remove, prune, upgrade, init, and x are still experimental.
Is the sandbox open by default?
No. Files, network, environment variables, and subprocesses must be named before they can be used, and the run leaves a JSONL audit.
Can the playground run code?
Yes, in this browser tab, not in the amber binary. On your machine, use amber run.
curl -fsSL
https:/
https:/
install.sh