How to insert a Build Number or Timestamp at build time in AngularCLI

Question

I want to have a timestamp or build number somewhere on my Angular2 App so I can tell if a user is using an old cached version or not.

How to do this with AngularCLI

Answer 1

There's no need to replace-in-file.

Simple Solution: Using Angular Environments

Just inside your desired environment.*.ts file (For more information about environments read angular-2-and-environment-variables) require package.json like so:

export const environment = {
    version: require('../package.json').version
};

Then inside your app import environment:

import { environment } from '../environments/environment';

And you have environment.version. If you get cannot find name 'require' error, Read this answer

More info

Note: As @VolodymyrBilyachat mentioned in comments, this will include your package.json file in the final bundle file.