Side by side
esbuild vs Grunt
Both stand on javascript build tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPILinux+4
esbuild combines bundling and optimization features in free MIT-licensed software. Its lack of TypeScript type checking and limited code splitting are important considerations for project setup.
Visit esbuild Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Grunt brings configurable task automation and a large npm plugin ecosystem to JavaScript projects. Check the supported-version status if your project relies on an older release.
Visit GruntThe facts
| esbuild | Grunt | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | esbuild.github.io | gruntjs.com |
| On javascript build tools | #1 of 27 | #3 of 27 |
esbuild: what it does well
- Built-in support for JavaScript, CSS, TypeScript, and JSX
- Bundles ESM, CommonJS, and CSS modules
- Includes tree shaking, minification, and source maps
- Interfaces available through CLI, JavaScript, and Go
- MIT-licensed software
What to know first
- Does not type-check TypeScript
- Code-splitting support is described as primitive
- Active feature development is not currently underway
- Primarily built by one developer
Grunt: what it does well
- Automates minification, compilation, testing, and linting.
- Supports custom tasks in JavaScript files.
- Hundreds of plugins are available through npm.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- Versions 1.5 through 0.4 are unsupported.
- Older versions receive no project security or bug fixes.
Alternatives to esbuild Alternatives to Grunt The whole list