Brunch vs Parcel: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Brunch and Parcel

1. Build Performance: Brunch focuses on being an extremely fast build tool by having a simplified plugin system that avoids unnecessary configuration. In contrast, Parcel is praised for its zero-config approach, which eliminates the need for any setup, making it quick to get started with.
2. Asset Handling: Brunch requires specific module definitions to handle assets like CSS, JS, and files, while Parcel automatically handles imports of various file types such as images, fonts, and more without any additional configuration.
3. Code Splitting: Brunch primarily relies on plugins for code splitting, which can sometimes result in complex setups, while Parcel has built-in support for automatic code splitting and lazy loading, making it easier to optimize the bundle size.
4. Hot Module Replacement (HMR): Brunch lacks out-of-the-box support for HMR, requiring additional plugins and configurations to achieve this feature, whereas Parcel comes with built-in HMR support, simplifying the development process for real-time updates.
5. Community Support: Brunch has been around longer and has a more established community, which may offer more resources and plugins, but Parcel's growing popularity has led to a vibrant community with active support and continuous updates.
6. Extensibility and Customization: While Brunch provides a framework for creating custom plugins, allowing for extensive customization, Parcel, with its focus on simplicity and zero configuration, offers less flexibility in terms of extensive customization, making it suitable for straightforward projects.

In Summary, Brunch and Parcel differ in terms of build performance, asset handling, code splitting, HMR support, community engagement, and extensibility options, catering to developers with varying preferences and project requirements.