Difference Between npm run dev and npm run prod - Explained

In JavaScript projects, especially those that use build tools like Webpack or Laravel Mix, commands like npm run dev and npm run prod play a crucial role in managing assets for different environments. Let’s explore the key differences between the two.

What is npm run dev?

The npm run dev command is used to build your project for development. It compiles assets quickly without applying optimizations, making it ideal for local development. Below are the main features:

Key Features of npm run dev:

• Faster build times: Since it's for development, it skips heavy optimization processes like minification and tree-shaking.
• Source maps included: These help in debugging by mapping the compiled code back to the original source files (such as .js or .scss).
• Larger files: The output files are larger because they are not optimized or minified.
• Hot Reloading: This feature automatically reloads the browser when changes are made, useful during development.

Example:

npm run dev

This command builds the JavaScript and CSS assets in development mode, skipping minification and including source maps for debugging.

What is npm run prod?

The npm run prod command is used to build your project for production. It optimizes your assets for deployment by minimizing file size and improving performance. Below are the key features:

Key Features of npm run prod:

• Minification: Files are minified to reduce their size by removing unnecessary code like whitespace and comments.
• Optimization: Includes optimizations like tree-shaking (removing unused code) and code splitting to improve performance.
• No source maps: Source maps are typically excluded to reduce file size in production and protect the original code.
• Smaller files: The output files are optimized, making them faster to load in production environments.

Example:

npm run prod

This command builds the JavaScript and CSS assets for production, creating minified and optimized files ready for deployment.

Key Differences Between npm run dev and npm run prod

Conclusion

Both npm run dev and npm run prod have their specific use cases. For faster builds and easier debugging during development, use npm run dev. When you are ready to deploy your application, use npm run prod for optimized and minified production-ready assets.

Published By: Krishanu Jadiya
Updated at: 2024-09-20 01:14:35