Webpack is suitable for large applications, with comprehensive functions but complex configuration; Rollup focuses on packaging libraries, with small output size and strong Tree-shaking; Vite is based on native ES modules, with fast development speed and suitable for modern frameworks. 1. Webpack takes "Everything is a module" as its core, supports code segmentation and rich plug-ins, suitable for complex projects but slow construction; 2. Rollup supports ESM by default, outputs clean code, suitable for NPM library release, but weak processing of non-JS resources; 3. Vite uses browser native ESM, does not package in the development stage, starts quickly, and supports mainstream frameworks, suitable for new projects, but TS and migration support needs to be improved.

In front-end development, building tools are an inescapable link. Many people are a little confused when choosing Webpack, Rollup or Vite - they can all pack code, but the applicable scenarios vary greatly.

Webpack: All-rounders for complex projects

If you are working on a large application with complex structure and many modules, such as an enterprise-level backend system or e-commerce website, Webpack is usually the first choice. Its biggest feature is that "everything is a module", and JS, CSS, pictures and even fonts can be introduced and processed as modules.

• Supports code splitting, can be loaded on demand
• A powerful plug-in ecosystem, almost all functions you can think of have ready-made solutions
• Dev Server (Dev Server) hot update experience

However, its disadvantages are also obvious: complex configuration and slow construction speed. Especially for the first time, the first construction time is easy to exceed tens of seconds, which is not very friendly to rapid iterations.

Therefore, Webpack is more suitable for projects with long-term maintenance and complex functions, and is not suitable for lightweight projects that pursue rapid start.

Rollup: A tool that focuses on packaging libraries

The original intention of Rollup is to solve "how to efficiently package a JavaScript library". It pays more attention to outputting codes with small size and clear structure.

• ES Module packaging is supported by default, and the output is cleaner
• Tree-shaking does a better job of removing useless code
• The plug-in mechanism is also compatible with Webpack, and the ecosystem is gradually improving.

For example, if you write a UI component library or tool function library and want to publish it to NPM for others to use, Rollup is a very suitable choice.

But if you want to do SPA or need to deal with a large number of non-JS resources (such as images, styles, etc.), Rollup seems to be insufficient. At this time, you have to rely on plug-ins to make up for it, which may become troublesome.

Vite: The new favorite of modern front-end development

After Vite came out, many people began to rethink “how to do front-end construction.” It uses the browser's native ES module support, and it is almost not packaged during the development stage, and directly loads the source files, greatly improving the development experience.

• Fast startup speed, you can see the page in seconds
• Supports mainstream frameworks such as TypeScript, JSX, Vue, React, etc.
• Use Rollup when building a production environment, taking into account performance and volume

Vite is best for new projects, especially those using Vue 3 or React. Now Vue's official scaffolding has used Vite by default, which means it has become a mainstream trend.

However, Vite's support for TypeScript configuration and old project migration is not mature enough, and some details need to be manually adjusted.

To summarize:

• Webpack : Suitable for large applications, complete functions but heavy configuration
• Rollup : Focus on packaging libraries, clean output, strong Tree-shaking
• Vite : Fast development, strong modern feel, suitable for new projects and modern frameworks

Basically, these are the differences, which one you choose depends on your project type and needs.

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