The Dilemmas I Faced When Building a Component Library

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Ever want to build a component library but felt too intimidated? Don’t worry! I’ll walk you through the dilemmas you’ll face when creating your first component library. I’ll show you how to consider the right solutions, and I’ll share some of my personal experiences. By the end, you’ll be equipped to share your first library with world.

This talk has been presented at JSNation US 2024, check out the latest edition of this JavaScript Conference.

FAQ

The speaker of the talk is Andriuko Kirula, also known as Indrico.

The main focus of the talk is the dilemmas faced when building component libraries.

The process of building component libraries is compared to making a perfect sandwich.

Some key considerations include choosing the right JavaScript framework, ensuring accessibility, deciding on the use of a monorepo, and considering the level of abstraction for components.

Andriuko builds component libraries to enable faster interface development, promote a consistent visual language, and deepen understanding of frameworks and common UI patterns.

A2K is a Windows 2000-inspired component library created by Andriuko.

The dilemma involves deciding whether to export the library as a single package or as scoped packages.

A one-way door problem refers to decisions that, if made incorrectly, can have lasting negative consequences and are difficult to reverse.

Andriuko prefers to keep things simple, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and recommends not to bundle libraries to allow consumers flexibility.

A significant challenge is owning the complexity of interactions, which can lead to complex implementations with mixed concerns and many edge cases.

Andrico Karoulla
Andrico Karoulla
27 min
21 Nov, 2024

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Video Summary and Transcription
Building a component library involves making various decisions such as using a JavaScript framework, considering accessibility in testing, and using a monorepo. Building a component library allows for faster interface creation and consistent visual language. Making the wrong choice can lead to owning the complexity of interactions. Offloading the complexity to an open-source library can be beneficial. Exporting as a single package or scoped packages have their advantages and disadvantages. Setting up a specific workflow and repo structure is important for publishing components. It is recommended to publish as ESM and avoid bundling the library. Leveraging browser capabilities and using fundamental tools like CSS and TypeScript can be beneficial.
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