Parcel vs gulp: What are the differences?

Introduction

Parcel and Gulp are both build tools that help automate various tasks in web development. While they have similarities, they also have key differences that make them unique. This article will outline the most significant differences between Parcel and Gulp.

1. Module Bundling: Parcel is a zero-config bundler that automatically detects dependencies and builds the output accordingly. It handles the bundling of different file types (e.g., JavaScript, CSS, HTML) without the need for explicit configuration. On the other hand, Gulp is a task runner that requires explicit configuration using a gulpfile.js. Developers need to define specific tasks for bundling modules and managing dependencies manually.

2. Code Splitting: Parcel performs automatic code splitting out-of-the-box. It analyzes the project's dependencies and splits the code into smaller chunks that can be loaded on demand. This results in more efficient and optimized loading of the application. Gulp, on the other hand, does not have built-in support for code splitting. Developers using Gulp need to use external plugins or manually implement code splitting techniques.

3. Transpiling and Preprocessing: Parcel has built-in support for transpiling modern JavaScript code using Babel and for preprocessing CSS using PostCSS. Developers can use the latest JavaScript features and CSS syntax without any additional configuration. Gulp, on the other hand, requires developers to configure and use specific plugins to achieve similar transpiling and preprocessing capabilities.

4. Binary Executables: Parcel is a standalone tool that can be installed globally on a system. Once installed, it can be executed directly from the command line using the parcel command. Gulp, on the other hand, is a JavaScript-based task runner that requires the installation of Node.js and Gulp globally. Developers need to run Gulp tasks through the command line using the gulp command.

5. Watch Mode: Parcel has a built-in watch mode that monitors file changes and automatically rebuilds the project on any modification. It provides automatic live reloading without the need for external plugins or additional configuration. Gulp can also watch files for changes, but developers need to define watch tasks explicitly in the gulpfile.js to enable this functionality.

6. Developer Experience: Due to its zero-config nature, Parcel provides a simplified developer experience, especially for beginners or those who prefer minimal configuration. It reduces setup time and makes it easier to get started with a new project quickly. In contrast, Gulp offers more flexibility and configurability, making it suitable for complex or customized build pipelines. Developers with more experience and specific requirements might prefer the flexibility of Gulp.

In summary, Parcel is a zero-config build tool with automatic module bundling, code splitting, and built-in support for transpiling and preprocessing. It provides a simplified developer experience and is suitable for simpler projects. Gulp, on the other hand, requires explicit configuration, offers more flexibility, and is ideal for complex or customized build pipelines.