Code Splitting vs Traditional Bundling

Developers should use code splitting when building large-scale single-page applications (SPAs) or complex web apps to minimize initial bundle size and accelerate time-to-interactive meets developers should learn traditional bundling to understand foundational web optimization techniques, especially when maintaining legacy systems or working in environments where modern tools are unavailable. Here's our take.

Code Splitting

Nice Pick

Developers should use code splitting when building large-scale single-page applications (SPAs) or complex web apps to minimize initial bundle size and accelerate time-to-interactive

Pros

• It's particularly valuable for improving performance on slow networks or mobile devices, and for applications with multiple routes or features that aren't needed immediately
• Related to: javascript, webpack

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Traditional Bundling

Developers should learn traditional bundling to understand foundational web optimization techniques, especially when maintaining legacy systems or working in environments where modern tools are unavailable

Pros

• It is useful for projects requiring simple, straightforward asset management without complex module resolution, such as small static websites or applications with minimal dependencies
• Related to: webpack, gulp

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Code Splitting is a concept while Traditional Bundling is a methodology. We picked Code Splitting based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Code Splitting wins

Based on overall popularity. Code Splitting is more widely used, but Traditional Bundling excels in its own space.