What are the differences between CSS and JS source maps?

What are the differences between CSS and JS source maps?

CSS and JS source maps help developers debug their code by mapping minified or compiled code back to the original source. However, they serve different purposes: CSS source maps link stylesheets to their original sources, while JS source maps do the same for JavaScript files.

Can you explain how source maps work in more detail?

Sure! Source maps are files that provide a way to map transformed code back to the original source code. When you minify or compile your CSS or JS, the source map allows you to see the original code in the browser's developer tools, making debugging easier.

Are there any tools that can help generate source maps?

Yes, many build tools and task runners like Webpack, Gulp, and Grunt can automatically generate source maps for your CSS and JS files during the build process.

What happens if I don't use source maps?

Without source maps, debugging becomes much harder because you'll only see the minified or compiled code in the developer tools, making it difficult to trace back to the original source.