Gulp
Gulp is a JavaScript-based task runner and build system that automates repetitive development workflows such as minification, compilation, unit testing, and linting. It uses a code-over-configuration approach with Node.js streams for efficient file processing, allowing developers to define tasks in a JavaScript file (gulpfile.js). Its plugin ecosystem enables automation of various front-end and back-end development tasks.
Developers should learn Gulp when working on JavaScript projects that require automated build processes, especially for front-end development where tasks like CSS preprocessing, image optimization, and JavaScript bundling are common. It's particularly useful in environments prioritizing performance optimization, rapid prototyping, or when needing a lightweight alternative to more complex build tools like Webpack for straightforward task automation.