webpack-cli vs gulp-cli vs @rspack/cli vs parcel-bundler
JavaScript Build Tools Comparison
1 Year
webpack-cligulp-cli@rspack/cliparcel-bundlerSimilar Packages:
What's JavaScript Build Tools?

JavaScript build tools are essential for modern web development, enabling developers to automate tasks such as bundling, minification, transpilation, and optimization of assets. These tools streamline the development process, enhance performance, and improve maintainability by allowing developers to focus on writing code rather than managing complex workflows. Each of these packages offers unique features and capabilities, catering to different project requirements and developer preferences.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
webpack-cli9,077,7682,588110 kB145 months agoMIT
gulp-cli1,536,73040570.6 kB24a year agoMIT
@rspack/cli354,84811,49986.2 kB1794 days agoMIT
parcel-bundler62,66143,846-5834 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: webpack-cli vs gulp-cli vs @rspack/cli vs parcel-bundler

Configuration Complexity

  • webpack-cli:

    webpack-cli requires a more complex configuration compared to others, as it is highly customizable and powerful, but this can lead to a steeper learning curve for new users.

  • gulp-cli:

    gulp-cli offers a straightforward approach to task automation, but it requires more configuration than some other tools, as you need to define tasks in JavaScript files, which can become complex for larger projects.

  • @rspack/cli:

    @rspack/cli is designed to minimize configuration complexity, allowing developers to get started quickly with sensible defaults while still providing options for customization when needed.

  • parcel-bundler:

    parcel-bundler is known for its zero-configuration setup, making it extremely easy for developers to start building applications without worrying about intricate configurations.

Performance

  • webpack-cli:

    webpack-cli provides extensive optimization features, but achieving optimal performance may require careful configuration and understanding of its various options.

  • gulp-cli:

    gulp-cli is efficient in handling tasks, but performance can vary based on how tasks are defined and the complexity of the build process.

  • @rspack/cli:

    @rspack/cli is optimized for performance, leveraging modern JavaScript features and techniques to deliver fast build times, especially for large applications.

  • parcel-bundler:

    parcel-bundler automatically optimizes builds for performance, utilizing features like tree-shaking and code-splitting without requiring additional configuration.

Ecosystem and Community Support

  • webpack-cli:

    webpack-cli boasts a large ecosystem with numerous plugins and loaders, making it highly extensible and well-supported by the community.

  • gulp-cli:

    gulp-cli has a mature ecosystem with a wide range of plugins available, making it easy to extend functionality and integrate with other tools.

  • @rspack/cli:

    @rspack/cli is relatively new but is gaining traction with a growing community and support, especially among modern JavaScript frameworks.

  • parcel-bundler:

    parcel-bundler has a supportive community and is increasingly popular for its simplicity, though it may not have as extensive a plugin ecosystem as Webpack or Gulp.

Learning Curve

  • webpack-cli:

    webpack-cli has a steep learning curve due to its extensive features and configuration options, making it more suitable for experienced developers.

  • gulp-cli:

    gulp-cli has a moderate learning curve, especially for those new to task runners, as it requires understanding of streams and task definitions.

  • @rspack/cli:

    @rspack/cli is designed to be user-friendly, with a gentle learning curve for developers familiar with modern JavaScript frameworks.

  • parcel-bundler:

    parcel-bundler is very beginner-friendly, allowing developers to start building applications without needing to learn complex configurations.

Use Cases

  • webpack-cli:

    webpack-cli is the go-to choice for large-scale applications that require detailed control over the build process and asset management.

  • gulp-cli:

    gulp-cli is best suited for projects that require complex build processes and task automation, such as preprocessing CSS or optimizing images.

  • @rspack/cli:

    @rspack/cli is ideal for modern web applications, particularly those built with React, where performance and speed are critical.

  • parcel-bundler:

    parcel-bundler is perfect for smaller projects or prototypes where quick setup and ease of use are prioritized over extensive customization.

How to Choose: webpack-cli vs gulp-cli vs @rspack/cli vs parcel-bundler
  • webpack-cli:

    Choose webpack-cli if you need a powerful and flexible module bundler that supports a wide range of plugins and loaders. Webpack is suitable for large-scale applications that require fine-tuned control over the build process and asset management.

  • gulp-cli:

    Select gulp-cli if you prefer a task runner that allows for a high degree of customization and control over your build process. Gulp is ideal for projects that require complex workflows and the ability to easily integrate various plugins for different tasks.

  • @rspack/cli:

    Choose @rspack/cli if you need a fast, modern bundler that focuses on performance and is designed to work seamlessly with React and other frameworks. It is particularly beneficial for projects that prioritize speed and efficiency in build processes.

  • parcel-bundler:

    Opt for parcel-bundler if you want a zero-configuration bundler that automatically handles dependencies and optimizations. It is perfect for developers who want to get started quickly without the overhead of configuring a build system.

README for webpack-cli

webpack CLI

The official CLI of webpack

About

webpack CLI provides a flexible set of commands for developers to increase speed when setting up a custom webpack project. As of webpack v4, webpack is not expecting a configuration file, but often developers want to create a more custom webpack configuration based on their use-cases and needs. webpack CLI addresses these needs by providing a set of tools to improve the setup of custom webpack configuration.

How to install

When you have followed the Getting Started guide of webpack then webpack CLI is already installed!

Otherwise

npm install --save-dev webpack-cli

or

yarn add webpack-cli --dev

Supported arguments and commands

Usage

All interactions with webpack-cli are of the form

npx webpack-cli [command] [options]

If no command is specified then bundle command is used by default

Help Usage

To display basic commands and arguments -

npx webpack-cli --help

To display all supported commands and arguments -

npx webpack-cli --help=verbose

or

npx webpack-cli --help verbose

Available Commands

  build|bundle|b [entries...] [options]                 Run webpack (default command, can be omitted).
  configtest|t [config-path]                            Validate a webpack configuration.
  help|h [command] [option]                             Display help for commands and options.
  info|i [options]                                      Outputs information about your system.
  init|create|new|c|n [generation-path] [options]       Initialize a new webpack project.
  loader|l [output-path] [options]                      Scaffold a loader.
  plugin|p [output-path] [options]                      Scaffold a plugin.
  serve|server|s [entries...] [options]                 Run the webpack dev server.
  version|v [commands...]                               Output the version number of 'webpack', 'webpack-cli' and 'webpack-dev-server' and commands.
  watch|w [entries...] [options]                        Run webpack and watch for files changes.

Available Options

Options:
  -c, --config <value...>                          Provide path to a webpack configuration file e.g. ./webpack.config.js.
  --config-name <value...>                         Name of the configuration to use.
  -m, --merge                                      Merge two or more configurations using 'webpack-merge'.
  --disable-interpret                              Disable interpret for loading the config file.
  --env <value...>                                 Environment passed to the configuration when it is a function.
  --node-env <value>                               Sets process.env.NODE_ENV to the specified value.
  --define-process-env-node-env <value>            Sets process.env.NODE_ENV to the specified value. (Currently an alias for `--node-env`)
  --analyze                                        It invokes webpack-bundle-analyzer plugin to get bundle information.
  --progress [value]                               Print compilation progress during build.
  -j, --json [value]                               Prints result as JSON or store it in a file.
  --fail-on-warnings                               Stop webpack-cli process with non-zero exit code on warnings from webpack
  -d, --devtool <value>                            A developer tool to enhance debugging (false | eval | [inline-|hidden-|eval-][nosources-][cheap-[module-]]source-map).
  --no-devtool                                     Negative 'devtool' option.
  --entry <value...>                               A module that is loaded upon startup. Only the last one is exported.
  --mode <value>                                   Enable production optimizations or development hints.
  --name <value>                                   Name of the configuration. Used when loading multiple configurations.
  -o, --output-path <value>                        The output directory as **absolute path** (required).
  --stats [value]                                  Stats options object or preset name.
  --no-stats                                       Negative 'stats' option.
  -t, --target <value...>                          Environment to build for. Environment to build for. An array of environments to build for all of them when possible.
  --no-target                                      Negative 'target' option.
  -w, --watch                                      Enter watch mode, which rebuilds on file change.
  --no-watch                                       Negative 'watch' option.
  --watch-options-stdin                            Stop watching when stdin stream has ended.
  --no-watch-options-stdin                         Negative 'watch-options-stdin' option.

Global options:
  --color                                          Enable colors on console.
  --no-color                                       Disable colors on console.
  -v, --version                                    Output the version number of 'webpack', 'webpack-cli' and 'webpack-dev-server' and commands.
  -h, --help [verbose]                             Display help for commands and options.

Checkout OPTIONS.md to see list of all available options.

Exit codes and their meanings

| Exit Code | Description | | --------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | 0 | Success | | 1 | Errors from webpack | | 2 | Configuration/options problem or an internal error |

CLI Environment Variables

| Environment Variable | Description | | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | WEBPACK_CLI_SKIP_IMPORT_LOCAL | when true it will skip using the local instance of webpack-cli. | | WEBPACK_CLI_FORCE_LOAD_ESM_CONFIG | when true it will force load the ESM config. | | WEBPACK_PACKAGE | Use a custom webpack version in CLI. | | WEBPACK_DEV_SERVER_PACKAGE | Use a custom webpack-dev-server version in CLI. | | WEBPACK_CLI_HELP_WIDTH | Use custom width for help output. |

Configuration Environment Variables

You can use the following environment variables inside your webpack configuration:

| Environment Variable | Description | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | WEBPACK_SERVE | true if serve\|s is being used. | | WEBPACK_BUILD | true if build\|bundle\|b is being used. | | WEBPACK_WATCH | true if --watch\|watch\|w is being used. |

Checkout webpack.js.org for more detailed documentation of webpack-cli.