Import Maps vs Rollup

Developers should learn Import Maps when building modern web applications that rely on ES modules and want to avoid complex bundling tools for development or simple deployments meets developers should learn rollup when they need to create efficient, production-ready javascript bundles, especially for libraries or applications where minimizing file size is a priority. Here's our take.

Import Maps

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Import Maps when building modern web applications that rely on ES modules and want to avoid complex bundling tools for development or simple deployments

Pros

• It's particularly useful for prototyping, educational projects, or applications where a lightweight setup is preferred, as it allows importing npm packages directly in the browser
• Related to: es-modules, javascript

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Rollup

Developers should learn Rollup when they need to create efficient, production-ready JavaScript bundles, especially for libraries or applications where minimizing file size is a priority

Pros

• It is ideal for projects using modern ES6+ modules, as its tree-shaking feature removes dead code, leading to faster load times and better performance
• Related to: javascript, es6-modules

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Import Maps if: You want it's particularly useful for prototyping, educational projects, or applications where a lightweight setup is preferred, as it allows importing npm packages directly in the browser and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Rollup if: You prioritize it is ideal for projects using modern es6+ modules, as its tree-shaking feature removes dead code, leading to faster load times and better performance over what Import Maps offers.

The Bottom Line

Import Maps wins

Developers should learn Import Maps when building modern web applications that rely on ES modules and want to avoid complex bundling tools for development or simple deployments