Trigger recompilation on node module changes.

[eanplatter]

An Attempt at fixing #186.

This plugin offers a bit more than just recompiling when the node_modules change, it also auto installs dependencies that are referenced if they don't already exist (which may or may not be a good thing).

Personally I like the feature, but I could see it being obtrusive, I am open to solving this in a different way.

[gaearon]

Can you explain what

You can provide a Function to the dev to make it dynamic:

in the README means? Why would I want that, and why does the example show build dependencies when presumably the project is about runtime deps?

cc @ericclemmons

[eanplatter]

It looks like you can just intercept the request, like in the example it shows a sort of whitelist of dev dependencies:

plugins: [newNpmInstallPlugin({dev: function(module,path){return["babel-preset-react-hmre","webpack-dev-middleware","webpack-hot-middleware",].indexOf(module)!==-1;},}),],

I guess to prevent devDependencies from receiving unapproved modules? Though, I don't know when that would really happen, unless you manually attempted to install something.

[gaearon]

The lack of feedback is not very nice:

[gaearon]

Yea, I’d like to get this in but the lack of progress indicator is unfortunately a blocker for me.
I’m happy to revisit this in the future if NpmInstallPlugin implements this.

[ForbesLindesay]

I'm a bit concerned by the idea of automatic installation of dependencies. It significantly increases the risk of being exposed to malicious code via small typos.

[gaearon]

^^ also a very good point. I think npm install is how we want people to do it. But we need to try re-resolving deps if package.json changes.

[ForbesLindesay]

We also may want to add something more to the docs regarding how exactly to install dependencies.

[eanplatter]

Ahh, yeah I'd have to agree. It's a fancy feature but there are some definite drawbacks.

I think for this problem the best solution will to have a webpack plugin that just recompiles if the package.json or node_modules change. I'll start looking into a solution for that tonight.

[eanplatter]

Ahh, yeah I'd have to agree. It's a fancy feature but there are some definite drawbacks.

I think for this problem the best solution will to have a webpack plugin that just recompiles if the package.json or node_modules change. I'll start looking into a solution for that tonight.

[gaearon]

@eanplatter Thanks!
@ForbesLindesay Totally. We should add a section here. Let me file an issue.

[ericclemmons]

Yea, I’d like to get this in but the lack of progress indicator is unfortunately a blocker for me.
I’m happy to revisit this in the future if NpmInstallPlugin implements this.

@gaearon Feel free to open an issue if you find something cosmetic a blocker ;)

https://github.com/ericclemmons/npm-install-webpack-plugin/issues/new?title=Dan%20doesn%27t%20like%20it

Lately, I use the defaults so that all deps save to dependencies rather than devDependencies by default. Rapid prototyping means being able to run now and have a functioning app. Moving enzyme to devDependencies is a trivial optimization for later, IMO.

But, my overall thought is that it's not this project's job to save users from using npminstall`. I've come across several libraries that have specific instructions for which version to install based on which version of React, ESLint, or even Node/NPM you're running.

To me, npm-install-webpack-plugin is DX you opt-in to like HMR because of edge-cases & "gotchas" that the user should be aware of before accepting it. Because, no matter what, there'll be some situation that won't work perfectly and that slight bump in the road ruins the otherwise smooth ride.