Node.js: dependencies vs devDependencies

I've done a little researching on what the key difference is between dependencies and devDependencies in your package.json. But I'm still not completely clear on when to use which one.

For example, should packages like axios and vue go in dependencies or devDependencies, and why?

ejdelmonico

9 years ago

Best Answer

Level 53

jQuery, LoDash, Vue and Axios are usually dependencies. But, as usual, it depends on the tools you are using. For instance, with Webpack, you are packing everything up into bundles for serving. So, in reality, everything that is going to be bundled is a devDependency. In short, a devDependency is anything you will need to make you page work in production. Everything else is just used during development or packaging/bundling.

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