Introduction to npm-run-all

npm-run-all is a CLI tool to run multiple npm scripts sequentially or concurrently. It offers an easy and efficient way to organize and execute your npm scripts without creating chains of lengthy npm commands. Its main features include simplicity, flexibility, and powerful scripting capabilities.

Why Use npm-run-all?

The power of npm-run-all lies in its ability to streamline repetitive and complex tasks. Whether you’re building, testing, or deploying, npm-run-all can save you time and reduce errors.

Basic Usage

 "scripts": {
    "clean": "rimraf dist",
    "build:js": "babel src -d dist",
    "build:css": "css-minify -d src/styles -o dist/styles",
    "build": "npm-run-all clean build:*"
} 

Running Scripts Sequentially

 "scripts": {
    "lint": "eslint .",
    "test": "jest",
    "build": "npm-run-all lint test build:js build:css"
} 

Running Scripts in Parallel

 "scripts": {
    "serve:api": "json-server --watch db.json",
    "serve:web": "webpack-dev-server --config webpack.config.js",
    "serve": "npm-run-all --parallel serve:*"
} 

Advanced Usage

npm-run-all supports a variety of advanced features such as grouping, prefix formatting, and more.

Group Tasks

 "scripts": {
    "build:clean": "rimraf dist",
    "build:js": "babel src -d dist",
    "build:css": "css-minify -d src/styles -o dist/styles",
    "build": "npm-run-all build:clean build:**"
} 

Prefix and Formatting

 "scripts": {
    "start:client": "react-scripts start",
    "start:server": "nodemon api/server.js",
    "start": "npm-run-all --parallel --print-label start:*"
} 

Real-World Example

Let’s create a simple web application using the following npm-run-all scripts:

 "scripts": {
    "clean": "rimraf dist",
    "lint": "eslint .",
    "test": "jest",
    "build:js": "babel src -d dist",
    "build:css": "css-minify -d src/styles -o dist/styles",
    "build": "npm-run-all clean lint test build:js build:css",
    "serve:api": "json-server --watch db.json",
    "serve:web": "webpack-dev-server --config webpack.config.js",
    "start": "npm-run-all --parallel serve:*",
    "predeploy": "npm-run-all clean lint test build",
    "deploy": "firebase deploy"
} 

By using these scripts, you can automate your development workflow from cleaning, linting, testing, and building, to serving the APIs and web app simultaneously and even deploying your application.

Conclusion

With npm-run-all, you’ll find it much easier to manage your project’s scripts and maintain a streamlined workflow. This powerful tool will make your development process more efficient and error-free.

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