Vue 3 – A roundup of infos about the new version of Vue.js

Exploring Vue 3.0: A Comprehensive Guide to the Latest Features and Changes

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of front-end development, staying abreast of the latest technologies is imperative. Vue.js, a popular JavaScript framework, recently unveiled its highly anticipated version, Vue 3.0, also known as “One Piece.” This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of Vue 3.0, shedding light on its release process, key features, migration strategies from Vue 2, and the learning curve associated with this new iteration.

Vue 3 Release Journey

The journey of Vue 3.0 began with Evan You’s announcement at Vue.js London in Fall 2018, two years before its official release in September 2020. The community eagerly awaited this milestone, and on September 18, 2020, Vue 3.0 was officially unleashed, becoming the default version on February 7, 2022.

Community-Driven Evolution

Transitioning from the “@next” version to the default release involved significant community-driven efforts. Despite this major shift, the Vue ecosystem’s experience remained seamless, with essential subprojects like Vue Devtools, Vue Router, and Vue Test Utils adapting seamlessly to Vue 3.0. The release also brought forth updated documentation and new tools, contributing to an enhanced development experience.

New Tools and Enhancements

Vue 3.0 introduced a slew of new and improved tools, amplifying the development process. Noteworthy among them is Pinia, facilitating simpler state management. Additionally, the incorporation of the lightning-fast Vite as a build toolchain further solidified Vue 3.0’s reputation as a cutting-edge framework.

To delve deeper into the background of the release process and explore the new tooling landscape, Evan You’s article, “Vue 3 as the New Default,” serves as a valuable resource. For Vue 2 users, a migration guide is available to navigate the changes seamlessly.

Vue 3 Features and Changes

Evan You succinctly summarized Vue 3.0 as faster, smaller, more maintainable, and easier to target native platforms. A pivotal change lies in the introduction of the Composition API, providing a function-based approach to writing components, inspired by React Hooks.

Composition API Unveiled

The Composition API revolutionizes component development by enabling the encapsulation of logic into reusable “composition functions.” While it introduces a shift in Vue’s usage, opting for the Composition API won’t disrupt existing Vue 2.x apps, maintaining 100% compatibility with the current syntax and options-based API. Embracing the Composition API promises increased flexibility, leading to better code structure and scalability.

To facilitate experimentation within Vue 2 apps, the Composition API is available as a plugin. Several utility libraries, such as VueUse, Vue Composable, and VueHooks, have emerged to complement the Composition API, offering a range of composition utilities and functions.

Other Notable Changes

Vue 3.0 brought about a Virtual DOM rewrite, enhancing performance and bolstering TypeScript support. Native portals, now known as Teleport, offer a seamless mechanism for rendering elements in different parts of the DOM tree. The introduction of Fragments provides virtual elements that won’t be rendered in the DOM tree, adding flexibility to global mounting and allowing conditional suspending of component rendering.

For an in-depth exploration of the decision-making process behind Vue 3.0, refer to Evan You’s article, “The Process: Making Vue 3.”

Migration from Vue 2

As the community embraces Vue 3.0, concerns arise about the fate of Vue 2 and the migration process. A crucial aspect is the commitment to release one final version for Vue 2, backporting Vue 3 features and incorporating deprecation warnings for breaking changes. This version will receive long-term support (LTS) for 18 months, ensuring security updates and providing a safe environment for continued usage.

For those navigating the migration process, a comprehensive guide and a dedicated website offer detailed insights and resources.

Choosing Between Vue 2 and Vue 3 for New Projects

With Vue 3.0 as the new default, the question arises: should developers opt for Vue 3 or stick with Vue 2 for new projects? The answer lies in the readiness of both core and subprojects for Vue 3 usage. While Vue 3 provides a robust foundation, it’s essential to acknowledge the evolving nature of the ecosystem. Some open-source components may still lack Vue 3 versions, warranting consideration in project planning.

Opting for Vue 2 in new projects requires vigilance. Staying informed about changes and avoiding deprecated features and slow-to-update third-party libraries ensures a smoother migration path when the time comes.

Learning Vue 3

As developers embark on the journey to master Vue 3.0, a plethora of resources awaits. The official Vue documentation serves as an excellent starting point, offering comprehensive insights into Vue 3’s functionalities.

Vue 3 Learning Resources

To facilitate the learning process, a curated list of Vue 3 learning resources, including courses and books, has been compiled. This collection aims to guide developers through the nuances of Vue 3, empowering them to harness its full potential.

Vue 2 or Vue 3 for Beginners

For developers new to Vue, the question arises: should they start learning Vue 2 or dive directly into Vue 3? The recommendation leans heavily towards Vue 3, given the wealth of tutorials and courses available. However, it’s crucial not to dismiss Vue 2 learning resources, as many foundational concepts remain relevant.

Navigating Vue 3 Drama

In the realm of framework evolution, Vue 3.0 encountered its fair share of drama. The introduction of the Composition API sparked heated debates within the community, raising concerns and uncertainties.

Addressing Concerns

Acknowledging the apprehensions, several articles debunk the misconceptions surrounding Vue 3.0. Notably, Daniel Elkington’s “Vue’s Darkest Day” on dev.to and Alex Kyriakidis’s “Why People Got Upset with Vue 3” on vueschool.io provide insights into the community discussions. Additionally, Kevin Ball’s article on zendev.com, “3 Key Insights from Vue’s New Functional API RFC,” emphasizes the positive strides made by Vue 3.0 and its impact on the broader framework landscape.

Embracing Change in Vue 3.0

In conclusion, while framework changes can evoke stress and uncertainty, Vue 3.0 stands as a testament to progress and innovation. Developers are encouraged to embrace the transformative features, particularly the Composition API, and explore the wealth of resources available for a seamless transition. Vue 3.0 marks a significant leap forward, solidifying its position as a leading framework in the dynamic landscape of front-end development.