Deno Development

TL;DR

What it is: Deno development means building backend APIs, serverless edge functions, CLI tools, and web applications using the Deno runtime. Deno is TypeScript-first, secure by default, and ships with a built-in toolchain. It's created by the same person who built Node.js, designed to fix Node's shortcomings.

What you'll do:

• Build REST APIs and backend services using Oak, Hono, or Fresh
• Develop serverless edge functions for platforms like Deno Deploy and Supabase
• Create CLI tools that compile to standalone executables
• Write automation scripts and internal tooling for businesses
• Build full-stack web applications using the Fresh framework

Time to learn: 3-6 months of consistent practice at 10-15 hours/week if you already know TypeScript. 6-10 months if you're learning TypeScript and Deno together.

What you need: A computer, a code editor, Deno installed (free, single binary), and internet access.

Note: Platforms may charge fees or commissions. We don't track specific rates as they change frequently. Check each platform's current pricing before signing up.

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Deno is a modern JavaScript and TypeScript runtime created by Ryan Dahl, the same person who created Node.js. It was built to address architectural decisions in Node.js that Dahl publicly said he regretted. The result is a runtime with built-in TypeScript support, a security-first permissions model, and web standard APIs that make code portable between server and browser.

The freelance market for Deno developers is smaller than Node.js but growing steadily. Companies like Slack, Netlify, and Supabase use Deno in production. Deno 2.0 added full npm compatibility, removing the biggest barrier to adoption. The developer pool is small relative to demand, which means less competition for those who invest in learning it.

What This Actually Is

Deno development as a side hustle means writing TypeScript-first backend code for clients who want modern, secure, and performant server-side applications. The work falls into several categories.

API development is the most common entry point. You build REST or GraphQL APIs using frameworks like Oak (similar to Koa for Node.js) or Hono (a lightweight framework popular for edge computing). Deno's native TypeScript support means you skip the configuration overhead that Node.js projects typically require for TypeScript. Clients range from startups building new products to companies modernizing existing systems.

Serverless and edge functions represent a significant and growing segment of Deno work. Deno Deploy runs your code on V8 isolates at edge locations globally with sub-10ms cold starts. Supabase Edge Functions and Netlify Edge Functions both run on Deno. Work in this area includes building webhook receivers, API gateways, on-demand image generation, and lightweight backend logic that needs to run close to users.

Full-stack web development using the Fresh framework is another category. Fresh is Deno's flagship web framework that uses server-side rendering with Preact, ships zero JavaScript to the client by default, and requires no build step. It uses an island architecture where only interactive components hydrate on the client.

CLI tools and automation scripts are well-scoped projects ideal for part-time freelance work. Deno can compile TypeScript programs into standalone executables for any platform. Companies need internal tools for data processing, system monitoring, workflow automation, and DevOps tasks. The permission system makes these scripts safer to run in production environments.

Slack platform development is a specific niche worth noting. Slack built their new development platform on Deno. Building Slack apps, integrations, and workflow automations using Deno is a concrete, growing source of freelance work.

What You'll Actually Do

Day-to-day work depends on the project type, but common activities include writing and testing TypeScript backend code, designing API endpoints, integrating with databases, deploying to edge platforms, and communicating with clients about requirements and progress.

For an API project, you'll set up the project with deno.json configuration, build route handlers and middleware, connect to databases (PostgreSQL, SQLite, or Deno KV), implement authentication, write tests using Deno's built-in test runner, and deploy to Deno Deploy or a containerized environment.

For edge function work, you'll write focused, single-purpose functions that handle specific tasks. A webhook receiver that processes Stripe payment events. An API endpoint that generates Open Graph images on demand. A middleware function that handles authentication before requests reach the main application. Each function is typically small but needs to be reliable and fast.

Across all project types, Deno's built-in toolchain streamlines your workflow. You run deno lint instead of configuring ESLint, deno fmt instead of setting up Prettier, and deno test instead of installing a test framework. This reduces setup time on new projects and keeps your focus on the actual work.

Client communication takes more time than most developers expect. Translating business requirements into technical specifications, explaining why Deno is a good fit for their use case, and managing scope are recurring parts of freelance work.

Skills You Need

TypeScript proficiency is the foundation. Deno is TypeScript-first, and essentially all Deno code is written in TypeScript. You need genuine fluency with types, interfaces, generics, union types, and async patterns. This is not optional.

Understanding web platform APIs matters because Deno uses them as its core programming model. fetch for HTTP requests, Request and Response objects for handling HTTP, the Streams API for data processing, URL for URL manipulation, and WebSocket for real-time communication. If you've done frontend development, many of these are familiar.

At least one Deno framework is important for productive work:

• Oak is a middleware framework inspired by Koa. It handles routing, request/response processing, and middleware composition. The most established choice for REST APIs.
• Hono is a lightweight, fast framework popular for edge computing and serverless. Works across Deno, Node.js, and other runtimes.
• Fresh is Deno's full-stack web framework. Uses Preact for templating, server-side rendering by default, and an island architecture for selective client-side hydration.

Database knowledge is required for most backend work. Deno KV is the built-in key-value store that works locally (backed by SQLite) and on Deno Deploy (backed by FoundationDB with multi-datacenter replication). For relational data, PostgreSQL is the most common choice in the Deno ecosystem. Understanding how to model data and write queries is everyday work.

Deno's permission system is something you need to understand practically. Knowing which permissions a script needs (--allow-read, --allow-net, --allow-env) and how to scope them narrowly is part of writing production Deno code. Clients who chose Deno often chose it specifically for this security model.

Understanding of serverless and edge computing concepts helps significantly. Knowing how V8 isolates differ from containers, what cold starts mean for function design, and how to work within the constraints of edge platforms positions you for the higher-paying segment of Deno work.

Getting Started

Build a portfolio of 3-5 projects that demonstrate practical Deno capabilities:

• A REST API with authentication, CRUD operations, input validation, and database integration using Oak or Hono
• A serverless edge function deployed to Deno Deploy that solves a real problem (a URL shortener, an API proxy, a webhook handler)
• A CLI tool compiled to a standalone executable using deno compile
• A full-stack application using Fresh with server-side rendering and interactive islands
• At least one project that uses Deno KV for state management

Host your code on GitHub with clean documentation. Include a README explaining what each project does, the technical decisions behind it, and deployment instructions. Deno projects tend to have simpler setups than equivalent Node.js projects, which is worth highlighting.

Start with smaller projects on freelance platforms. Building Supabase Edge Functions for existing Supabase users, writing automation scripts, or adding features to existing Deno applications are good entry points. These build reviews and a track record.

Position yourself strategically. "TypeScript developer specializing in serverless edge functions with Deno" is more compelling than "Deno developer." Clients care about outcomes and the technologies they already use, not runtime brand loyalty.

Since Deno 2.0 added npm compatibility, emphasize that you can work with the entire npm ecosystem. This addresses a common concern clients may have about Deno's package availability.

Income Reality

Income depends on your specialization, experience, client base, and time commitment. These are market observations, not guarantees.

Some developers handling basic Deno work (simple APIs, edge functions, small scripts) report earning $500-1,500/month working part-time on freelance platforms.

Intermediate developers building complete backend applications, Supabase Edge Functions, or maintaining serverless architectures report $2,000-4,000/month.

Experienced developers working on complex serverless architectures, consulting on Deno adoption, or building specialized tools report $4,000-8,000/month or more.

Hourly rates on global platforms range from $25-105/hour depending on experience, specialization, and client type. Edge function and serverless work tends to sit at the higher end. Basic script writing and simple API work sits at the lower end.

The TypeScript specialization commands a premium. TypeScript consistently ranks among the highest-paid developer skills, and Deno's TypeScript-first nature means your Deno experience reinforces that premium.

Your actual income varies based on skill, niche, effort, location, and market conditions.

What Different Work Actually Pays

Not all Deno work pays equally. Understanding where the market pays more helps you decide where to focus.

Edge functions and serverless development commands strong rates. Building and maintaining Supabase Edge Functions, Netlify Edge Functions, or Deno Deploy applications requires understanding distributed systems, cold start optimization, and platform-specific constraints. Fewer developers have this experience.

Full-stack Fresh applications pay well per project because you handle both the server-side rendering and the interactive frontend components. Clients save the coordination cost of hiring separate frontend and backend developers.

CLI tools and automation are good for building a portfolio and getting consistent project-based work. The scope is usually well-defined, which makes estimation easier. Pay varies with complexity, but these projects are plentiful and accessible.

Slack platform development is a growing niche. Companies building custom workflows and integrations on Slack's Deno-powered platform need developers who understand both the Slack APIs and the Deno runtime. This combination of skills narrows the competition.

Migration and consulting work pays well once you have experience. Helping companies evaluate Deno adoption, migrating Node.js applications to Deno, or training development teams on Deno best practices are higher-value engagements that experienced developers can offer.

Simple scripts and basic APIs are the most accessible entry point but pay the least per hour. Use these to build reviews and platform reputation, then move toward the higher-paying categories.

Where to Find Work

For developers building their portfolio:

• Upwork and Freelancer for general TypeScript and backend project listings
• Contributing to open-source Deno projects on GitHub (Fresh, Oak, Deno standard library)
• Developer communities and forums focused on TypeScript and serverless
• Building Supabase Edge Functions and sharing them publicly

For intermediate developers:

• Direct outreach to companies using Supabase or Deno Deploy
• Specialized job boards listing Deno and serverless positions
• Referrals from previous clients (the most reliable source of quality work)
• Building a reputation in the Deno community through open-source contributions

For experienced developers:

• Toptal and similar vetted platforms for premium engagements
• Long-term retainer agreements with companies invested in the Deno ecosystem
• Architecture consulting and migration planning for companies evaluating Deno
• Direct client relationships built through networking and community visibility

The Supabase ecosystem is a particularly strong market segment. Many companies use Supabase for their backend and need developers who can build Edge Functions. Positioning yourself as a Supabase Edge Functions specialist gives you access to that entire user base.

Common Challenges

Client awareness is low. Many potential clients don't know what Deno is. You'll spend time explaining how it differs from Node.js and why it might be a good fit for their project. This is extra work that Node.js or Python developers don't face.

The job market is smaller. There are significantly fewer Deno-specific gigs than Node.js or Python gigs on freelance platforms. You may need to search for TypeScript or serverless projects where Deno is a good fit, rather than finding projects that specifically request Deno. Combining Deno work with Node.js or general TypeScript work is a practical strategy, especially when starting.

Ecosystem transitions cause friction. Deno's package management has evolved through HTTP imports, deno.land/x, and now JSR (JavaScript Registry). Some older tutorials and libraries reference deprecated approaches. Staying current with the recommended patterns requires attention.

Not all npm packages work perfectly. While Deno 2.0 supports npm packages broadly, some packages with native addons or Node.js-specific assumptions may have compatibility issues. Testing npm dependencies in a Deno context before committing to them in a project saves debugging time later.

Scope creep happens on every project. "Can you also add this endpoint" and "we also need real-time notifications" are common mid-project requests. Clear contracts and detailed specifications protect your time. This applies to all freelance backend work, not just Deno.

Staying current requires effort. Deno releases regularly with new features and API changes. Fresh is evolving toward version 2.0. Deno KV and Cron are stabilizing. Keeping up with the ecosystem takes ongoing investment.

Tips That Actually Help

Specialize around a platform or use case, not just "Deno." Clients don't search for "Deno developer." They search for "Supabase Edge Functions developer" or "serverless TypeScript developer" or "Slack app developer." Frame your skills around what clients actually need.

Learn Deno Deploy thoroughly. Understanding the deployment model, limitations, and pricing of Deno Deploy makes you more effective at building for the platform and more valuable to clients who use it.

Leverage your Node.js knowledge. Since Deno 2.0 supports npm packages and Node.js APIs, your existing Node.js experience transfers directly. Many projects benefit from developers who can work across both runtimes and help teams migrate incrementally.

Build reusable project templates. An Oak or Hono starter with your preferred authentication setup, error handling, database configuration, and deno.json settings saves significant time on new projects. Deno projects tend to have simpler configurations than Node.js projects, so your templates stay lean.

Invest in understanding Deno KV. It's a zero-config database built into the runtime that works locally and scales on Deno Deploy. For many edge function and serverless use cases, it eliminates the need for an external database entirely. This is a differentiator that Node.js doesn't offer.

Communicate proactively with clients. Send progress updates before they ask. Flag potential issues early. Ask clarifying questions when requirements are ambiguous. Freelance success depends more on communication and reliability than on runtime choice.

Learning Timeline Reality

This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Your pace depends on prior experience and hours invested.

If you already know TypeScript well from frontend or Node.js work, expect 2-4 months at 10-15 hours/week to become productive in Deno development. The language transfers immediately. Deno-specific patterns (permissions model, built-in toolchain, Deno Deploy, Deno KV) and framework conventions take time to internalize.

If you know JavaScript but not TypeScript, expect 4-7 months at 10-15 hours/week. You'll spend the first 1-2 months getting comfortable with TypeScript's type system before diving into Deno-specific frameworks and deployment patterns.

If you're starting from scratch with programming, expect 8-14 months at 10-15 hours/week before you're ready for paid client work. The first 3-4 months focus on JavaScript and TypeScript fundamentals. The next 2-3 months on Deno, a framework, and building projects. The remaining time on building portfolio projects and learning deployment.

The gap between completing a tutorial and delivering a production-ready application to a client is significant. Building complete projects, handling edge cases, writing tests with Deno's built-in test runner, and deploying to Deno Deploy or Docker is where freelance-ready skills develop.

Start applying for smaller projects once you have a working portfolio, even if you don't feel fully ready. Real client work teaches scoping, communication, and working with messy requirements in ways that tutorials never will.

Is This For You?

Deno development works well as a side hustle if you're interested in modern backend development with TypeScript as a first-class citizen. If you value clean tooling, security-by-default design, and working with web standard APIs, Deno aligns with those preferences.

If you already work with TypeScript or Node.js, adding Deno skills expands your toolkit without requiring a language switch. Deno 2.0's npm compatibility means the transition is smoother than ever. You can use your existing knowledge while gaining access to Deno-specific advantages like built-in tooling and Deno Deploy.

If you're drawn to serverless and edge computing, Deno is a natural fit. Deno Deploy, Supabase Edge Functions, and Netlify Edge Functions are real platforms with growing usage. The work involves writing focused, efficient functions that run close to users globally.

Be realistic about the market size. Deno has roughly 2% market share compared to Node.js. There are fewer Deno-specific jobs, and many clients will need education about why Deno fits their needs. The most practical approach is positioning yourself as a TypeScript and serverless specialist who uses Deno as a primary tool, not exclusively marketing yourself as a "Deno developer."

The competition advantage is genuine. The Deno developer pool is small relative to demand. If you invest in building real expertise with Deno Deploy, Deno KV, Fresh, and edge functions, you'll face less competition for each project than in the Node.js or Python freelance markets.

If you're new to backend development entirely, starting with Node.js might be more practical due to the larger market and more abundant learning resources. You can always add Deno later. But if you're starting fresh and the TypeScript-first, batteries-included approach appeals to you, Deno is a reasonable starting point.

Note on specialization: This is a niche within the broader JavaScript/TypeScript ecosystem that requires understanding of Deno-specific tooling, deployment patterns, and runtime differences. Success depends on positioning your Deno skills alongside broader TypeScript and serverless expertise rather than treating Deno as a standalone offering. Consider this if you have genuine interest in modern runtime design and willingness to work within a smaller but growing ecosystem.