Understanding the 'vue' Command (with examples)

Vue.js is a progressive JavaScript framework used to build interactive web interfaces. The vue command-line interface (CLI) is a powerful tool for Vue.js developers, designed to assist in developing, building, and managing Vue applications. This multi-purpose CLI simplifies the creation of new projects and includes subcommands with their own usage documentation. More information can be found at the official CLI documentation: https://cli.vuejs.org .

Create a New Vue Project Interactively

Code:

vue create project_name

Motivation:

Using the vue create command is ideal when you want to set up a new Vue project from scratch with a customizable configuration. This interactive command guides the user through selecting important settings such as presets, plugins, and additional configurations, ensuring that the project setup fits specific development needs. It’s particularly useful for developers who prefer a hands-on approach, allowing for an understanding of the build systems and dependencies that will be part of their new application.

Explanation:

• vue: This is the main command-line interface tool for Vue.js. It enables the creation, building, and management of Vue applications effectively.
• create: This subcommand is responsible for generating a new Vue project. It’s the default action that vue performs when a new project needs to be initialized.
• project_name: This argument specifies the name of the project you are creating. It will be used as the folder name where all the project’s files and structure will be initialized.

Example Output:

Once the command is executed, you will enter an interactive setup process. The terminal will display a series of prompts allowing you to choose between default and manual configuration. After making your selections, the CLI will proceed to generate the new project, install necessary dependencies, and prepare the environment for your Vue application. The process culminates in a folder named project_name filled with the initial project files.

Create a New Project with Web UI

Code:

vue ui

Motivation:

The vue ui command is designed for developers who prefer graphical interfaces as opposed to command-line interactions. By launching a web-based user interface, it simplifies the process of creating and managing Vue projects. This visual approach can be particularly beneficial for beginners or for developers who wish to visualize the development environment. It allows users to configure and manage their projects with more ease and clarity, providing a holistic view of project settings and dependencies.

Explanation:

• vue: Again, this refers to the primary CLI tool for managing Vue.js applications.
• ui: The ui subcommand launches a browser-based graphical user interface. This subcommand is particularly useful for those who prefer a visual interaction with the tool to set up and manage Vue projects.

Example Output:

Upon executing the command, the CLI will start a local server and automatically open a browser window. The interface provided will allow you to create projects, manage settings, and visualize different aspects of your Vue.js application. It integrates various tools required for local development and provides capabilities like plugin management, dependency installation, and project configuration. The intuitive GUI makes it easy to navigate through the setup process, offering a seamless experience for setting up and managing Vue projects.

Conclusion

The vue CLI is an indispensable tool for Vue.js developers, providing flexible options for initializing new projects with either interactive command-line or graphical setup processes. By allowing customization at setup via the vue create project_name command or offering a user-friendly interface through vue ui, developers of all experience levels can efficiently configure and manage their Vue.js projects. Whether you prefer detailed, command-line interactions or prefer a more visual, UI-driven setup, the vue CLI caters to varied development styles, ensuring an optimal start to any Vue project.