# Experimental build mode for Hono and Express projects

**Published:** January 15, 2026 | **Authors:** Jeff See

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Users can opt in to an experimental build mode for [Hono](https://vercel.com/docs/frameworks/backend/hono) and [Express](https://vercel.com/docs/frameworks/backend/express) projects, which lets you filter logs by route, similar to Next.js.

It also updates the build pipeline with better module resolution:

- Relative imports no longer require file extensions
- TypeScript path aliases are supported
- Improved ESM and CommonJS interoperability

To enable it, set `VERCEL_EXPERIMENTAL_BACKENDS=1` in your project's [environment variables](https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%5Bproject%5D%2Fsettings%2Fenvironment-variables&title=Open+environment+variables).

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📚 **More updates:** [View all changelog entries](/changelog/sitemap.md) | [Blog](/blog/sitemap.md)