What are the performance differences between popular JavaScript bundlers?

What are the performance differences between popular JavaScript bundlers?

The main bundlers are Webpack, Rollup, Parcel, and Vite. Webpack is highly configurable but can be slower, while Rollup is great for libraries due to its tree-shaking capabilities. Parcel offers zero-config setup and is fast for smaller projects, and Vite is known for its speed during development.

Can you provide benchmarks for these bundlers?

Sure! Benchmarks often show that Vite is the fastest in development mode, while Webpack can be slower due to its extensive features. Rollup usually excels in production builds for libraries, and Parcel is competitive for smaller applications.

What factors should I consider when choosing a bundler?

Consider factors like project size, complexity, ease of configuration, community support, and specific features like tree-shaking or hot module replacement.

Are there any specific use cases where one bundler is preferred over the others?

Yes, for example, Rollup is preferred for library development due to its efficient tree-shaking, while Vite is ideal for modern web applications that require fast development cycles.