vite vs rollup vs webpack vs vitest vs parcel
JavaScript Bundlers and Testing Frameworks Comparison
3 Years
viterollupwebpackvitestparcelSimilar Packages:
What's JavaScript Bundlers and Testing Frameworks?

JavaScript bundlers and testing frameworks are essential tools in modern web development, enabling developers to package their code efficiently and test it effectively. These tools help manage dependencies, optimize performance, and ensure code quality through automated testing. Each package offers unique features and functionalities tailored to different development needs, from simple projects to complex applications. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each tool is crucial for selecting the right one for your project requirements.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
vite145,837,026
74,7882.26 MB6276 days agoMIT
rollup43,429,687
25,9482.75 MB6188 hours agoMIT
webpack29,388,708
65,4895.47 MB228an hour agoMIT
vitest13,327,199
14,8181.38 MB3512 months agoMIT
parcel212,654
43,92743.9 kB5852 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: vite vs rollup vs webpack vs vitest vs parcel

Configuration Ease

  • vite:

    Vite offers a simple configuration that can be extended as needed, providing a balance between ease of use and flexibility for developers.

  • rollup:

    Rollup has a straightforward configuration model but may require more setup for complex projects compared to Parcel, especially for plugins and advanced features.

  • webpack:

    Webpack is highly configurable but has a steep learning curve due to its complex setup process, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

  • vitest:

    Vitest is designed to work with Vite's configuration, making it easy to set up for projects already using Vite, with minimal additional configuration required.

  • parcel:

    Parcel requires minimal configuration, automatically detecting and optimizing files, making it user-friendly for beginners and quick setups.

Performance Optimization

  • vite:

    Vite provides lightning-fast development with native ES modules and optimized builds, leveraging modern browser capabilities for improved performance.

  • rollup:

    Rollup excels in tree-shaking, removing unused code from the final bundle, which is particularly beneficial for library development and optimizing bundle size.

  • webpack:

    Webpack offers extensive performance optimization options, including code splitting, lazy loading, and caching strategies, but requires careful configuration to achieve optimal results.

  • vitest:

    Vitest is optimized for speed, running tests in parallel and leveraging Vite's build optimizations to ensure quick feedback during development.

  • parcel:

    Parcel automatically optimizes builds with features like code splitting and caching, ensuring fast load times without manual intervention.

Ecosystem and Community

  • vite:

    Vite is rapidly gaining popularity and has a vibrant community, especially among modern web developers, with a growing number of plugins and integrations.

  • rollup:

    Rollup is widely used for library development and has a strong community, with many plugins available for various use cases, particularly for ES modules.

  • webpack:

    Webpack has a vast ecosystem and community support, with numerous plugins and loaders available, making it a versatile choice for complex applications.

  • vitest:

    Vitest benefits from Vite's ecosystem, allowing easy integration with Vite plugins and tools, although it is newer and has a smaller community compared to established frameworks.

  • parcel:

    Parcel has a growing community and ecosystem, but it is not as extensive as Webpack's, which may limit available plugins and resources.

Testing Capabilities

  • vite:

    Vite does not include testing capabilities by default, but it can be easily integrated with testing frameworks like Jest or Vitest for unit testing.

  • rollup:

    Rollup also does not provide built-in testing features, so developers typically use it alongside testing frameworks like Jest or Mocha.

  • webpack:

    Webpack does not have built-in testing features, but it is commonly used with testing frameworks like Jest, Mocha, or Cypress to facilitate testing workflows.

  • vitest:

    Vitest is specifically designed for testing, providing a fast and efficient testing framework that integrates seamlessly with Vite, making it ideal for projects using Vite.

  • parcel:

    Parcel does not include built-in testing capabilities, requiring integration with external testing frameworks for unit and integration tests.

Learning Curve

  • vite:

    Vite is designed for ease of use, with a low learning curve for developers familiar with modern JavaScript, especially those coming from frameworks like Vue or React.

  • rollup:

    Rollup has a moderate learning curve, requiring some understanding of module formats and configuration, but is simpler than Webpack.

  • webpack:

    Webpack has a steep learning curve due to its complexity and extensive configuration options, which can be challenging for newcomers.

  • vitest:

    Vitest is easy to pick up for those familiar with Jest, as it offers a similar API, making it accessible for developers transitioning to Vite.

  • parcel:

    Parcel has a gentle learning curve, making it accessible for beginners who want to get started with bundling without deep technical knowledge.

How to Choose: vite vs rollup vs webpack vs vitest vs parcel
  • vite:

    Choose Vite for a modern development experience with fast hot module replacement (HMR) and an optimized build process. It's perfect for projects that need rapid development cycles and leverages native ES modules for performance.

  • rollup:

    Choose Rollup if you are focused on building libraries or applications that require tree-shaking capabilities to eliminate dead code. Rollup is particularly effective for ES modules and offers a simple configuration for optimizing output.

  • webpack:

    Choose Webpack if you need a highly configurable bundler that supports complex setups and a wide range of plugins. It's ideal for large-scale applications that require fine-tuned performance optimizations and extensive customization.

  • vitest:

    Choose Vitest if you want a fast and lightweight testing framework that integrates seamlessly with Vite. It offers a familiar API for Jest users and is optimized for speed, making it suitable for projects already using Vite.

  • parcel:

    Choose Parcel if you want a zero-configuration bundler that automatically handles various file types and optimizes your assets without extensive setup. It's ideal for smaller projects or when you want to get started quickly.

README for vite

vite ⚡

Next Generation Frontend Tooling

  • 💡 Instant Server Start
  • ⚡️ Lightning Fast HMR
  • 🛠️ Rich Features
  • 📦 Optimized Build
  • 🔩 Universal Plugin Interface
  • 🔑 Fully Typed APIs

Vite (French word for "fast", pronounced /vit/) is a new breed of frontend build tool that significantly improves the frontend development experience. It consists of two major parts:

In addition, Vite is highly extensible via its Plugin API and JavaScript API with full typing support.

Read the Docs to Learn More.