Google Closure Compiler

Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted

Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.5

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely3 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Google Closure Compiler is ranked #7 of 27 in JavaScript build tools on Freedom251. It runs on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows. There is a free plan.

Google Closure Compiler plans and pricing

All plans

Closure Compiler Free Open source Java application · Bazel library · NPM package developers.google.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on JavaScript build tools

Free plan: Yes
TypeScript support: No
Code splitting: Yes
Tree shaking: Yes
Source maps: Yes
Plugin API: Yes

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The record

Purpose: Closure Compiler optimizes JavaScript by analyzing it, removing dead code, rewriting and minimizing what remains, and checking syntax, references, and types.
File efficiency: Google says the compiler reduces JavaScript file size and can help applications load faster while reducing bandwidth needs.
Code checking: The compiler warns about illegal JavaScript, potentially dangerous operations, and common JavaScript pitfalls.
Compilation modes: Available compilation levels include WHITESPACE_ONLY, SIMPLE, and ADVANCED; the repository README also lists BUNDLE.
Advanced optimization: ADVANCED_OPTIMIZATIONS can improve compression through aggressive transformations and symbol renaming, and requires care to preserve program behavior.
Ways to use: The project page describes an open source command-line Java application, a library used via Bazel, and an NPM package.
Distribution: The project page directs users to download a released JAR from Maven, and the repository README also documents Maven distribution.
NPM package: The repository README states that NPM packages are built and distributed by an open source contributor, not by Google.
Build requirements: The repository README lists Java 21 or later, NodeJS, Git, and Bazelisk as requirements to build the compiler.
JavaScript restrictions: The repository says Closure Compiler places restrictions on input, including use of goog.module() and goog.require(), and that ES6 import/export support is not actively maintained.
Security and compliance: The project page links to the Apache 2.0 license for code samples; it does not state a security certification or compliance standard.
Help: Google’s FAQ directs users to the Closure Compiler Discuss Group, Stack Overflow, and the FAQ itself for help.
Integrations: The repository documents a NodeJS API and use through Maven, NPM, Bazel, and command-line Java.
Intended use: The repository says Google projects use Closure Compiler to reduce JavaScript size, check code, support localization, transpile newer JavaScript features, and split output into loadable chunks.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best JavaScript Build Tools in 2026#7 of 27

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Sources

developers.google.com/closure/compiler· checked 4 Oct 2026
github.com/google/closure-compiler· checked 4 Oct 2026
developers.google.com/closure/compiler/docs/api-tutorial3· checked 4 Oct 2026
developers.google.com/closure/compiler/faq· checked 4 Oct 2026