Modern Web Podcast S11E10- Why Does Publishing React JavaScript Packages Have to be so Hard? with Mark Erikson, Redux Maintainer | Modern Web | Podwise
In this podcast episode, Mark Erickson, a Redux maintainer and front-end engineer, discusses the challenges and advancements in releasing libraries and versioning in the modern web ecosystem. He emphasizes the lack of a comprehensive guide and the need for standardized practices and resources in library publishing. The conversation covers topics like bundle formats, build tooling, and package configurations. The complexities of code compatibility, transpilation, and different runtime environments are also addressed. The decentralized nature of library publishing and the reliance on others' examples without a centralized authority are highlighted. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of releasing libraries and the importance of having comprehensive guidance and tooling.
Takeaways
• The lack of a comprehensive guide for publishing libraries and versioning is a significant challenge in the modern web ecosystem.
• Standardized practices and clear resources are necessary to help developers set up robust and efficient publishing workflows.
• Factors such as bundle formats, build tooling, and package configurations are crucial considerations in the release strategy of libraries.
• Code compatibility, transpilation, and different runtime environments pose challenges for library authors.
• Library publishing is currently decentralized, with developers relying on each other's examples without a centralized authority.
• The difference between CommonJS (CJS) and ES Modules (ESM) formats has implications for library authors and requires balancing compatibility and performance considerations.
• The decision between CJS and ESM formats is not straightforward, as both have their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Technology changes and evolving landscapes introduce complexities in deployment strategies.
• Library authors face challenges in ensuring compatibility across different environments and navigating the ever-changing tech landscape.
• Redux, with its dedication to accessibility and usability, has garnered recognition and success within the development community.
• Efforts to simplify the developer experience, like the tools and features in Bun, are valuable for application developers.
• Unity and standardization are needed to address the proliferation of competing standards in the open source world.
• Considering both documented and undocumented behaviors is crucial in the development process.
• The episode concludes with acknowledgments, sponsorship details, and farewell messages.
