Vue CLI:
Purpose:
- Vue CLI is a full-fledged development tool aimed at simplifying Vue.js application development.
- It provides a standardized project structure and a set of default configurations for building, testing, and deploying Vue.js applications.
Configuration:
- Vue CLI uses webpack as the default build tool, which is a powerful and widely adopted module bundler.
- It comes with a pre-configured webpack setup, making it easy for developers to get started without having to manually configure build tools.
Development Server:
- Vue CLI includes a development server that supports features like hot module replacement (HMR) for efficient development.
Plugins:
- Vue CLI allows the integration of plugins to extend functionality, and it provides a plugin system to manage project features.
Vue 2 and Vue 3 Support:
- Vue CLI supports both Vue 2 and Vue 3 projects, making it versatile for developers using different versions of Vue.js.
Vite:
Purpose:
- Vite (French for “fast”) is designed to be a fast-build tool specifically for development environments.
- It is optimized for faster startup times during development and leverages ES module imports natively in the browser.
Configuration:
- Vite utilizes ESBuild for fast and efficient bundling, making it particularly suitable for modern JavaScript applications.
- It uses a “zero-config” approach, where many development settings are configured automatically without the need for extensive manual configuration.
Development Server:
- Vite’s development server is designed to provide ultra-fast development feedback, with quick startup times and efficient HMR.
Plugins:
- Vite supports plugins for extending functionality, similar to Vue CLI, but its focus on speed and simplicity is more pronounced.
Vue 2 and Vue 3 Support:
- Vite initially gained popularity as a development tool for Vue 3, taking advantage of Vue 3’s new features. However, it also supports Vue 2 projects.
Summary:
- Vue CLI is a comprehensive development tool with a focus on configurability and versatility. It’s suitable for a wide range of projects and comes with a full-featured webpack setup.
- Vite is designed for fast development feedback, especially in modern JavaScript applications. It is optimized for speed, using ESBuild for bundling, and adopts a “zero-config” philosophy to keep development setup simple.