New Vue js features and breaking changes – overview of Vue 3

Exploring the Vue.js Landscape: Unveiling Vue 3 and Its Impact on Web Development

Introduction The anticipation has reached its peak – Vue enthusiasts, developers, and the tech community at large have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Vue 3. This major release brings a plethora of new features to Vue.js, fulfilling promises made over the past two years. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricacies of Vue 3, discussing its notable features, exploring the future trajectory of this JavaScript framework, and providing guidance on how to embark on your Vue.js learning journey in 2021.

1. Vue.js Unveiled: A Brief Overview

Vue.js, an open-source framework for constructing modern web application user interfaces, was conceived in 2014 by Evan You, a former Google developer. With an impressive 157k stars on Github and a vibrant community, Vue.js has become a cornerstone of web development. Vue 3, codenamed “One Piece” in homage to the Japanese manga of the same name, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Vue.js. But what does this release mean for web applications, and how will Vue.js development evolve?

2. The Naming Tradition: Manga & Anime Influence on Vue Versions

Vue’s quirky tradition of naming releases after popular Japanese manga and anime titles is a distinctive touch. Evan You, the original author of Vue, initiated this tradition as a nod to his love for manga. Vue 3, following in the footsteps of its predecessors like Dragon Ball and Ghost in the Shell, draws inspiration from the beloved shonen series, One Piece. With this tradition, Vue.js adds a unique flavor to its version releases.

3. Vue 3: The Long-Awaited Arrival

The journey towards Vue 3 spanned approximately two years, commencing with the first hints at the Vue.js conference in London in September 2018. The alpha version surfaced in early 2020, prompting the Vue Core Team to establish a separate repository called vue-next. This repository served as the canvas for a ground-up rewrite of the Vue core using TypeScript, a departure from vanilla JavaScript. The meticulous efforts of around 100 contributors resulted in over 30 RFCs, 600 pull requests, and 2600 commits to the Vue 3 repository, marking a commendable achievement.

4. Navigating Vue 3 Migration Challenges

Vue 3 introduces a set of breaking changes that developers need to be cognizant of. Key modifications include the adoption of the createApp function for Vue app creation instead of the conventional Vue object instantiation. The shift from global Vue components being attached to the Vue instance to being connected to the application object represents another noteworthy change. Additionally, various parts of the Vue ecosystem, such as routers and stores, now link to the application object rather than the Vue instance.

5. Composition API: A Vue into the Future

In Vue 2, developers predominantly utilized the Options API for component configuration, leading to some inherent challenges. Vue 3 presents the Composition API as a solution, offering a more cohesive approach to component composition. This alternative, optional API replaces data, computed, methods, and watch options with the setup method, fostering cleaner, more modular code. Resembling React Hooks, composition functions within the Composition API empower developers to efficiently reuse logic between components.

6. Vue Fragment: Liberating Your Template Structure

Vue 3 introduces the Vue Fragment, a feature alleviating the need for a top-level element in component templates. This allows developers to structure their templates without the burden of a redundant container element. The elimination of this constraint enhances code clarity and conciseness, streamlining the development process.

7. Teleport Component: Redefining Component Placement

The Teleport component emerges as a notable addition in Vue 3, providing the flexibility to place HTML elements anywhere in the DOM tree. This feature is particularly advantageous for components like dialogs and modals, allowing them to be seamlessly positioned, even near the #app container. The introduction of Teleport expands the possibilities for component placement, fostering a more intuitive and versatile development experience.

8. Vue 3: What Lies Ahead and Performance Enhancements

As Vue 3 matures, the Vue Core Team has outlined plans for version 2.7, serving as the final planned minor release of Vue 2. This version will bridge compatibility improvements from Vue 3 and guide developers in the transition. Vue 3, written entirely in TypeScript, marks a significant leap forward in TypeScript support within Vue projects. The improved system architecture simplifies maintenance and aligns with the Vue team’s commitment to providing a framework that grows with its users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vue 3’s arrival signifies a milestone in the Vue.js journey. With its array of new features, breaking changes, and enhanced performance, Vue 3 positions itself as a formidable contender in the frontend framework landscape. The incorporation of TypeScript, the Composition API, and performance optimizations contribute to Vue’s relevance and competitiveness. As the Vue ecosystem evolves, with updates and improvements continuing to roll out, Vue 3 beckons developers to explore its capabilities and consider it as a compelling alternative to established frameworks like React. Embrace the Vue.js evolution and witness firsthand how it shapes the future of web development.