Vue CLI vs Webpack: What are the differences?

1. Vue CLI: Vue CLI is a command line interface tool that helps developers quickly scaffold and set up new Vue.js projects. It provides a pre-configured development environment with all the necessary build tools and plugins.

2. Webpack: Webpack is a module bundler that is primarily used to bundle JavaScript files and their dependencies into a single file. It allows developers to split their code into different modules and optimize the final bundle for performance.

3. Dependency Management: Vue CLI automatically manages project dependencies using npm or yarn, while Webpack requires developers to manually manage dependencies by specifying them in a separate configuration file.

4. Project Structure: Vue CLI follows a convention-based project structure with specific directories for components, assets, and views. It provides a standardized layout for Vue projects, making it easier for developers to navigate and understand the codebase. On the other hand, Webpack does not enforce any specific project structure and allows developers to organize their code according to their preferences.

5. Plugin Ecosystem: Vue CLI has a rich plugin ecosystem that allows developers to extend its functionality and add additional features to their projects. It provides a curated list of officially supported plugins that can be easily installed and configured. Webpack also supports plugins, but it requires developers to manually configure and install them.

6. Configurability: Vue CLI abstracts away the underlying Webpack configuration, providing developers with an opinionated and simplified development experience. It allows developers to override the default configuration by modifying a specific configuration file. Webpack, on the other hand, gives developers more control over the configuration process, allowing them to fine-tune every aspect of the bundling process.

In summary, Vue CLI is a command line interface tool that simplifies project setup and management for Vue.js projects, while Webpack is a module bundler that focuses on bundling JavaScript files and their dependencies. Vue CLI automatically manages dependencies, follows a convention-based project structure, has a rich plugin ecosystem, and provides a simplified development experience. Webpack requires manual dependency management, allows flexible project structure, supports plugins, and provides more control over the bundling process.