webpack-dev-middleware vs webpack-dev-server: What are the differences?
Introduction:
Webpack is a popular module bundler for JavaScript applications. It allows developers to bundle different modules and assets into a single file for efficient delivery to the client. When working with webpack, there are two main tools that can be used for development purposes: webpack-dev-middleware and webpack-dev-server.
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Integration with Express.js:
Webpack-dev-middleware is designed to be used with an existing Express.js server. It allows webpack to compile the code on the fly and serve it through the Express.js server. On the other hand, webpack-dev-server is a standalone development server that provides live reloading and other development-focused features out of the box. It does not require an existing Express.js server and can be used as a standalone server.
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Hot Module Replacement (HMR):
Webpack-dev-middleware does not support HMR out of the box. HMR is a feature that allows developers to update a module without refreshing the entire page. However, webpack-dev-server has built-in support for HMR, making it easier to develop and update code in real time without losing the state of the application.
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Customization and Configuration:
Webpack-dev-middleware allows for more customization and configuration options compared to webpack-dev-server. Developers have more control over the middleware and can customize it to fit their specific needs. On the other hand, webpack-dev-server provides a more opinionated and out-of-the-box experience, which may be more suitable for developers who want a quick setup without too much configuration.
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Middleware vs. Server:
As the names suggest, webpack-dev-middleware is a middleware that can be integrated into an existing server, while webpack-dev-server is a standalone server. This difference affects how the two tools are used and integrated into the development workflow. Developers who prefer to use their own server setup may find webpack-dev-middleware more suitable, while those who want a standalone server may prefer webpack-dev-server.
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Caching:
Webpack-dev-middleware can have better caching capabilities compared to webpack-dev-server. Since webpack-dev-middleware is integrated into an existing server, it can take advantage of the server's caching mechanisms. This can lead to faster build times and reduced network overhead when reloading the application. On the other hand, webpack-dev-server may not have the same level of caching capabilities.
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Routing and Proxying:
Webpack-dev-server has built-in support for custom routing and proxying. This means that developers can define custom routes and proxy requests to other servers during development. This can be useful when working with APIs or when the development setup requires interactions with multiple servers. Webpack-dev-middleware does not have this built-in functionality and would require additional configuration to achieve similar behavior.
In Summary, webpack-dev-middleware is designed to be integrated into an existing Express.js server, allows for more customization, but lacks built-in HMR support. On the other hand, webpack-dev-server is a standalone server, provides HMR out of the box, and has built-in support for routing and proxying.
