How can I use npm for front-end dependencies?

Question

I want to ask if it is possible (and generally a good idea) to use npm to handle front-end dependencies (Backbone, jQuery).

I have found that Backbone, jQuery and so

Answer 1

I personally use webmake for my small projects. It is an alternative to browserify in the way it brings npm dependencies into your browser, and it's apparently lighter.

I didn't have the opportunity to compare in details browserify and webmake, but I noticed webmake doesn't work well with modules internally using global variables such as socket.io (which is full of bloat anyway IMO).

I would be cautious about RequireJS, which has been recommended above. Because it is an AMD loader, your browser will load your JS files asynchronously. It will induces more exchanges between your client and server and may degrade the UX of people browsing from mobile networks / under bad WiFi. Moreover, if you succeed to keep your JS code simple and tiny, asynchronous loading is absolutely not needed !