Why Is node_modules So Big?

This podcast episode delves into the issue of node modules folders becoming large and bloated, explores the contributing factors, and offers strategies for optimizing hard drive space. Key takeaways include the significant size of text files, the impact of dependencies, the bloat caused by Babel plugin types, the duplication of files, and the unnecessary inclusion of translations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding package contents and using tools like Daisy Disk for analysis. Ultimately, the recommended approach involves bundling code, considering pnpm as an alternative package manager, and leveraging tools like NP Kill to remove unnecessary modules. By optimizing package size and storage usage, developers can enhance their workflow and make more efficient use of hard drive space.