What are the benefits of incorporating frontend libraries into our projects?

Currently working on a web page using Vue.js, without a backend at the moment. In need of tabs, I explored the options and came across vue-tabs-component.

However, to proceed with the installation, the following command is required:

npm install vue-tabs-component --save

I have concerns about how this library will be served to users. Many visitors do not have npm installed or the ability to execute 'npm install vue vue-tabs-components' while browsing.

Since I am focusing solely on frontend development, I do not rely on npm for my work. Additionally, working from multiple computers further complicates the reliance on npm.

Is there a method to use libraries only through <script src=...> tags?

Although I referenced vue-tabs-component, my query extends beyond this specific case. Why is it necessary to install frontend dependencies if they are ultimately being served to clients without requiring them to install anything?

Answer №1

Understanding the term 'install' can be a bit confusing in this context. When you run

npm install some-front-end-library
, what actually happens is that the files from our fictional some-front-end-library package (such as a Vue component) are downloaded.

Once you have 'installed' (downloaded) the package, you then reference these files in your Vue project. For example:

import somefrontendlibrary from 'some-front-end-library'

Vue.use(somefrontendlibrary);

In order to import these files into your project, you must first download/install the package on the computer where you are developing, similar to how you would download any other third-party script and add it using a script tag.

When you build your project (using npm run build), a vendor.js file will be created, containing the some-front-end-library package. This file incorporates the package that you have installed (and added through Vue.use()).

Upon completion of your final build (npm run build), your index.html file will have a <script src="vendor.js" /> tag included.

Answer №2

For proper functionality, it is essential to install the required module first. For instance, if you wish to incorporate vue-tabs-components in your web application, you must have access to the corresponding source code.

Although the client receives a packaged and bundled version of the code without needing npm, as a developer, you will still require npm for development purposes.

Regardless of whether you are a front-end developer or not, utilizing JavaScript often entails using NPM at some stage of the development cycle.

If opting for CDN usage, you can explore potential options at

While certain NPM front end libraries may be available on CDNs, there is no guarantee that you will always find the exact library you are searching for.

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