Tree Shaking vs Code Splitting

Developers should use tree shaking when building modern JavaScript applications with module bundlers like Webpack or Rollup to optimize production builds meets 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. Here's our take.

Tree Shaking

Nice Pick

Developers should use tree shaking when building modern JavaScript applications with module bundlers like Webpack or Rollup to optimize production builds

Pros

• It is essential for large-scale applications where minimizing bundle size directly impacts user experience through faster loading
• Related to: javascript, webpack

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Code Splitting

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

The Verdict

Use Tree Shaking if: You want it is essential for large-scale applications where minimizing bundle size directly impacts user experience through faster loading and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Code Splitting if: You prioritize 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 over what Tree Shaking offers.

The Bottom Line

Tree Shaking wins

Developers should use tree shaking when building modern JavaScript applications with module bundlers like Webpack or Rollup to optimize production builds