Module dependencies as dev only
Can my module dependencies that are only used in the main defineNuxtModule file be dev only? My module just generates a basically static (no imports) template in the buildDir and defines an auto import for that file
2 Replies
Hi @bnason. I'm kapa.ai, your friendly support bot. I will try to answer your question by searching through the knowledge base. :wave:
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Yes, module dependencies that are only used in the main
defineNuxtModule file can be installed as dev dependencies. This is especially true for modules that generate static content or define auto-imports without relying on runtime dependencies.
When adding a module to your Nuxt project using the nuxi module add command, you can use the --dev flag to install the module as a dev dependency. This is documented in the Nuxt CLI documentation:
This approach is suitable for modules that:
1. Generate static content in the build directory
2. Define auto-imports
3. Don't have runtime dependencies
By installing these modules as dev dependencies, you can keep your production dependencies lean, which is beneficial for deployment and package size.
However, it's important to note that if your module relies on any runtime functionality or needs to be executed during the application's runtime, those dependencies should remain as regular dependencies.
Always consider the specific requirements of your module and its generated content when deciding between dev and regular dependencies.
Nuxt Module Command
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