rollup vs webpack vs gulp vs es-toolkit vs parcel
JavaScript Build Tools and Task Runners Comparison
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What's JavaScript Build Tools and Task Runners?

JavaScript build tools and task runners are essential for modern web development, enabling developers to automate repetitive tasks, optimize assets, and manage dependencies efficiently. These tools help streamline the development workflow, improve performance, and ensure that applications are built consistently across different environments. They can handle tasks such as transpiling code, bundling modules, minifying assets, and running tests, ultimately leading to faster development cycles and better-performing applications.

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rollup34,663,19925,6912.72 MB5916 days agoMIT
webpack29,497,91665,1815.28 MB2398 hours agoMIT
gulp1,551,70233,08311.2 kB36a year agoMIT
es-toolkit984,5557,9032.83 MB14512 days agoMIT
parcel248,96943,75143.9 kB5999 days agoMIT
Feature Comparison: rollup vs webpack vs gulp vs es-toolkit vs parcel

Configuration Complexity

  • rollup:

    rollup requires some configuration, particularly for optimizing output and enabling tree-shaking, but it is relatively simple compared to webpack, focusing on library development.

  • webpack:

    webpack has a steep learning curve due to its extensive configuration options. It offers powerful features but can be overwhelming for newcomers.

  • gulp:

    gulp uses a code-centric approach, allowing developers to define tasks in JavaScript. While it requires some initial setup, it is generally straightforward for those familiar with JavaScript.

  • es-toolkit:

    es-toolkit is designed to be simple and lightweight, requiring minimal configuration. It focuses on providing utility functions without the overhead of a complex setup.

  • parcel:

    parcel is known for its zero-configuration philosophy, automatically handling most settings, making it very user-friendly, especially for beginners and small projects.

Performance Optimization

  • rollup:

    rollup excels in performance optimization through tree-shaking, which removes unused code, resulting in smaller bundle sizes and faster load times, particularly for libraries.

  • webpack:

    webpack provides advanced performance optimization features like code splitting, lazy loading, and caching strategies, but requires careful configuration to achieve optimal results.

  • gulp:

    gulp is efficient for automating tasks and can be optimized for performance by using streams, allowing for faster file processing and reduced memory usage during build tasks.

  • es-toolkit:

    es-toolkit is lightweight and optimized for performance, providing utility functions that can be directly used without heavy overhead, making it suitable for performance-critical applications.

  • parcel:

    parcel offers fast build times with its built-in caching and parallel processing features, making it ideal for rapid development and prototyping without sacrificing performance.

Ecosystem and Community Support

  • rollup:

    rollup has a dedicated community, especially among library developers, and offers a variety of plugins to extend its capabilities, though it may not have as many as webpack.

  • webpack:

    webpack has a vast ecosystem and a large community, providing numerous plugins and loaders, making it highly extensible for complex applications.

  • gulp:

    gulp has a strong community and a wide range of plugins available, making it easy to extend its functionality and integrate with various tools in the development workflow.

  • es-toolkit:

    es-toolkit has a smaller ecosystem compared to others, focusing mainly on utility functions, but it is easy to integrate with other libraries and frameworks.

  • parcel:

    parcel is gaining popularity and has a growing community, but its ecosystem is not as extensive as webpack's. It is still suitable for many use cases with built-in features.

Learning Curve

  • rollup:

    rollup has a moderate learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with module bundling concepts, but its focus on libraries makes it easier to grasp for that use case.

  • webpack:

    webpack has a steep learning curve due to its extensive configuration options and concepts like loaders and plugins, which can be daunting for beginners.

  • gulp:

    gulp has a moderate learning curve, especially for those new to task runners, but its code-centric approach can be intuitive for JavaScript developers.

  • es-toolkit:

    es-toolkit is easy to learn for developers familiar with modern JavaScript, as it focuses on providing utility functions without complex abstractions.

  • parcel:

    parcel is very beginner-friendly, with its zero-configuration setup allowing developers to get started quickly without needing to understand complex build processes.

Use Case Suitability

  • rollup:

    rollup is specifically designed for library development, making it the best choice for creating reusable modules and optimizing them for distribution.

  • webpack:

    webpack is suitable for large-scale applications with complex requirements, where advanced features like code splitting and dynamic imports are necessary.

  • gulp:

    gulp is ideal for projects that require task automation, such as file transformations, minification, and running tests, especially in larger workflows.

  • es-toolkit:

    es-toolkit is best suited for projects that require utility functions and modern JavaScript features without the need for a full build system.

  • parcel:

    parcel is perfect for small to medium-sized projects and prototypes where quick setup and fast iteration are priorities, without needing extensive configuration.

How to Choose: rollup vs webpack vs gulp vs es-toolkit vs parcel
  • rollup:

    Choose rollup if you are focused on building libraries or applications that require tree-shaking and efficient bundling, as it produces smaller and more optimized output files by eliminating unused code.

  • webpack:

    Choose webpack if you need a highly configurable and powerful module bundler that can handle complex applications with multiple entry points, code splitting, and extensive plugin support.

  • gulp:

    Choose gulp if you prefer a code-over-configuration approach and need a task runner that allows you to define tasks in JavaScript, making it easy to automate workflows and manage file transformations.

  • es-toolkit:

    Choose es-toolkit if you need a lightweight utility library for ES6+ features and want to enhance your JavaScript development with modular functions without a heavy build process.

  • parcel:

    Choose parcel if you want zero-configuration bundling with fast build times and built-in support for modern JavaScript features, making it ideal for quick prototypes and smaller projects.

Similar Npm Packages to rollup

rollup is a module bundler for JavaScript applications, designed to optimize the process of packaging and serving code. It is particularly well-suited for libraries and applications that utilize ES modules, as it can produce smaller and more efficient bundles by leveraging tree-shaking capabilities. Rollup allows developers to write modular code while ensuring that the final output is optimized for performance, making it a popular choice for building libraries and applications.

While Rollup is a powerful tool, there are several alternatives in the JavaScript ecosystem that serve similar purposes. Here are a few notable ones:

  • browserify is a tool that allows developers to use Node.js-style require statements in the browser. It transforms Node-style modules into a format that can be used in the browser, enabling developers to write modular code. While Browserify is effective for smaller projects, it may not be as performant as Rollup for larger applications due to its lack of tree-shaking capabilities.

  • gulp is a task runner that automates various development tasks, including file transformations, minification, and bundling. While Gulp can be used for bundling JavaScript files, it is more focused on task automation and may require additional plugins to achieve similar functionality to Rollup. Gulp is ideal for developers looking for a flexible and customizable build process.

  • parcel is a zero-configuration web application bundler that aims to simplify the development process. It automatically handles module bundling, code splitting, and asset optimization without the need for extensive configuration. Parcel is a great choice for developers who want a quick setup and an easy-to-use bundler, although it may not provide the same level of control and optimization as Rollup for library development.

  • webpack is one of the most popular module bundlers in the JavaScript ecosystem. It offers a wide range of features, including code splitting, hot module replacement, and extensive plugin support. While Webpack is highly configurable and powerful, it can also be complex to set up and manage. For larger applications that require fine-tuned control over the build process, Webpack is often the go-to choice.

To see how Rollup compares with Browserify, Gulp, Parcel, and Webpack, check out the comparison: Comparing browserify vs gulp vs parcel vs rollup vs webpack.

Similar Npm Packages to gulp

gulp is a popular task runner for automating repetitive tasks in web development. It allows developers to define tasks using a simple and intuitive API, enabling them to streamline their build processes, manage assets, and optimize workflows. Gulp uses streams to process files, making it efficient and fast for tasks like minification, compilation, and image optimization. While gulp is widely used, there are several alternatives that cater to different needs and preferences in the development workflow. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • browserify is a tool that allows developers to use Node.js-style require statements in the browser, enabling modular JavaScript development. It bundles JavaScript files into a single file for use in the browser, making it easier to manage dependencies. While browserify focuses primarily on module bundling, it can be integrated with other tools to handle tasks like minification and transpilation, making it a good choice for projects that prioritize modularity.
  • grunt is another task runner that automates repetitive tasks in web development. It uses a configuration-based approach, where developers define tasks in a Gruntfile.js. While grunt provides a robust set of plugins for various tasks, its configuration can become verbose and complex for larger projects. Grunt is a solid choice for developers who prefer a more declarative style of task management.
  • parcel is a web application bundler that offers a zero-configuration setup, making it easy to get started with modern web development. Parcel automatically handles tasks like transpilation, bundling, and optimization without requiring extensive configuration. Its fast performance and built-in support for hot module replacement make it a great choice for developers looking for a straightforward and efficient build tool.
  • webpack is a powerful module bundler that has become the standard for modern JavaScript applications. It allows developers to bundle JavaScript files along with other assets like CSS and images, providing a highly customizable build process. Webpack's extensive plugin ecosystem and support for code splitting, tree shaking, and hot module replacement make it ideal for complex applications. However, its configuration can be intricate, which may pose a learning curve for newcomers.

To explore how gulp compares with browserify, grunt, parcel, and webpack, check out the comparison: Comparing browserify vs grunt vs gulp vs parcel vs webpack.

Similar Npm Packages to es-toolkit

es-toolkit is a modern JavaScript toolkit designed to streamline the development process by providing a set of utilities for building, bundling, and optimizing JavaScript applications. It focuses on enhancing developer productivity and improving the performance of web applications. While es-toolkit offers a robust solution for managing JavaScript projects, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that cater to similar needs. Here are a few notable options:

  • gulp is a widely-used task runner that automates repetitive tasks in the development workflow. It allows developers to define tasks using JavaScript code and run them through a command-line interface. Gulp is particularly useful for automating tasks such as minification, compilation, and image optimization. If you prefer a code-centric approach to task automation and want to create a custom build process, gulp is a solid choice.

  • parcel is a zero-configuration web application bundler that simplifies the process of building modern web applications. It automatically handles various assets, including JavaScript, CSS, HTML, and images, without requiring extensive configuration. Parcel is known for its fast build times and built-in support for features like hot module replacement and code splitting. If you want a hassle-free setup and rapid development experience, parcel is an excellent option.

  • rollup is a module bundler for JavaScript that focuses on producing optimized bundles for libraries and applications. It uses ES modules to create smaller and more efficient bundles, making it a great choice for library authors. Rollup's tree-shaking capabilities help eliminate unused code, resulting in leaner builds. If your primary goal is to create efficient libraries or applications with a focus on modularity, rollup is worth considering.

  • webpack is a powerful and flexible module bundler that has become a standard in the JavaScript ecosystem. It allows developers to bundle JavaScript files along with other assets like CSS, images, and fonts. Webpack provides extensive configuration options and a rich ecosystem of plugins to customize the build process. If you need a comprehensive solution for complex applications with advanced features like code splitting, lazy loading, and hot module replacement, webpack is a top choice.

To see how es-toolkit compares with gulp, parcel, rollup, and webpack, check out the comparison: Comparing es-toolkit vs gulp vs parcel vs rollup vs webpack.

Similar Npm Packages to parcel

parcel is a web application bundler that aims to provide a fast and zero-configuration experience for developers. It automatically handles various tasks such as module bundling, code splitting, and asset optimization without requiring extensive configuration files. Parcel is particularly well-suited for developers looking for a straightforward setup and quick build times, making it an attractive option for both small and large projects.

While Parcel is a powerful tool, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that cater to different needs and preferences:

  • browserify is a tool that allows developers to use Node.js-style modules in the browser. It transforms CommonJS modules into a format that can be understood by the browser, enabling developers to write modular code without worrying about compatibility issues. Browserify is particularly useful for projects that heavily rely on Node.js modules and want to maintain a modular structure in their client-side code.

  • grunt is a JavaScript task runner that automates repetitive tasks such as minification, compilation, unit testing, and linting. While it is not a bundler per se, Grunt can be configured to work with various plugins to achieve similar results. It is ideal for developers who prefer a highly customizable and extensible build process, although it may require more setup compared to other tools.

  • gulp is another task runner that uses a code-over-configuration approach, allowing developers to define tasks using JavaScript. Gulp is known for its speed and flexibility, as it streams files through a series of transformations. It is a great choice for developers who want to create a custom build process tailored to their specific needs, although it may involve more initial setup than Parcel.

  • rollup is a module bundler that focuses on optimizing the output for libraries and applications. It supports ES modules natively and provides tree-shaking capabilities, allowing developers to reduce the size of their bundles by eliminating unused code. Rollup is particularly well-suited for building libraries and applications where performance and bundle size are critical.

  • webpack is one of the most popular module bundlers in the JavaScript ecosystem. It offers a highly configurable setup and supports a wide range of features, including code splitting, hot module replacement, and asset management. While it provides great flexibility and power, it can also be complex to configure, making it more suitable for larger projects that require a tailored build process.

To compare these tools further, you can check out the following link: Comparing browserify vs grunt vs gulp vs parcel vs rollup vs webpack.

README for rollup

npm version node compatibility install size code coverage backers sponsors license Join the chat at https://is.gd/rollup_chat

Rollup

Overview

Rollup is a module bundler for JavaScript which compiles small pieces of code into something larger and more complex, such as a library or application. It uses the standardized ES module format for code, instead of previous idiosyncratic solutions such as CommonJS and AMD. ES modules let you freely and seamlessly combine the most useful individual functions from your favorite libraries. Rollup can optimize ES modules for faster native loading in modern browsers, or output a legacy module format allowing ES module workflows today.

Quick Start Guide

Install with npm install --global rollup. Rollup can be used either through a command line interface with an optional configuration file or else through its JavaScript API. Run rollup --help to see the available options and parameters. The starter project templates, rollup-starter-lib and rollup-starter-app, demonstrate common configuration options, and more detailed instructions are available throughout the user guide.

Commands

These commands assume the entry point to your application is named main.js, and that you'd like all imports compiled into a single file named bundle.js.

For browsers:

# compile to a <script> containing a self-executing function
rollup main.js --format iife --name "myBundle" --file bundle.js

For Node.js:

# compile to a CommonJS module
rollup main.js --format cjs --file bundle.js

For both browsers and Node.js:

# UMD format requires a bundle name
rollup main.js --format umd --name "myBundle" --file bundle.js

Why

Developing software is usually easier if you break your project into smaller separate pieces, since that often removes unexpected interactions and dramatically reduces the complexity of the problems you'll need to solve, and simply writing smaller projects in the first place isn't necessarily the answer. Unfortunately, JavaScript has not historically included this capability as a core feature in the language.

This finally changed with ES modules support in JavaScript, which provides a syntax for importing and exporting functions and data so they can be shared between separate scripts. Most browsers and Node.js support ES modules. However, Node.js releases before 12.17 support ES modules only behind the --experimental-modules flag, and older browsers like Internet Explorer do not support ES modules at all. Rollup allows you to write your code using ES modules, and run your application even in environments that do not support ES modules natively. For environments that support them, Rollup can output optimized ES modules; for environments that don't, Rollup can compile your code to other formats such as CommonJS modules, AMD modules, and IIFE-style scripts. This means that you get to write future-proof code, and you also get the tremendous benefits of...

Tree Shaking

In addition to enabling the use of ES modules, Rollup also statically analyzes and optimizes the code you are importing, and will exclude anything that isn't actually used. This allows you to build on top of existing tools and modules without adding extra dependencies or bloating the size of your project.

For example, with CommonJS, the entire tool or library must be imported.

// import the entire utils object with CommonJS
var utils = require('node:utils');
var query = 'Rollup';
// use the ajax method of the utils object
utils.ajax('https://api.example.com?search=' + query).then(handleResponse);

But with ES modules, instead of importing the whole utils object, we can just import the one ajax function we need:

// import the ajax function with an ES import statement
import { ajax } from 'node:utils';

var query = 'Rollup';
// call the ajax function
ajax('https://api.example.com?search=' + query).then(handleResponse);

Because Rollup includes the bare minimum, it results in lighter, faster, and less complicated libraries and applications. Since this approach is based on explicit import and export statements, it is vastly more effective than simply running an automated minifier to detect unused variables in the compiled output code.

Compatibility

Importing CommonJS

Rollup can import existing CommonJS modules through a plugin.

Publishing ES Modules

To make sure your ES modules are immediately usable by tools that work with CommonJS such as Node.js and webpack, you can use Rollup to compile to UMD or CommonJS format, and then point to that compiled version with the main property in your package.json file. If your package.json file also has a module field, ES-module-aware tools like Rollup and webpack will import the ES module version directly.

Contributors

This project exists thanks to all the people who contribute. [Contribute]. . If you want to contribute yourself, head over to the contribution guidelines.

Backers

Thank you to all our backers! 🙏 [Become a backer]

Sponsors

Support this project by becoming a sponsor. Your logo will show up here with a link to your website. [Become a sponsor]

Special Sponsor

TNG Logo

TNG has been supporting the work of Lukas Taegert-Atkinson on Rollup since 2017.

License

MIT

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