Question 1

How to set up Browserify HMR with React?

Accepted Answer

Use libraries like react-transform-hmr alongside Browserify-HMR. Install both, configure the browserify plugin, and ensure your React components accept hot updates—the README example demonstrates this with JSX files for live editing.

Question 2

Browserify HMR vs Webpack HMR: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Webpack HMR is more mature and integrated, ideal for new projects. Browserify-HMR is best if you're committed to Browserify and need HMR compatibility, but it's less stable and has a smaller ecosystem, as noted in the README's early development warnings.

Question 3

Does Browserify HMR work with Node.js?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it supports Node.js via the 'fs' update mode. Use the --node flag with Watchify and set the mode to fs, as shown in the Plugin Usage section, allowing live updates in Node environments.

Question 4

What are the known issues with Browserify HMR?

Accepted Answer

The README lists bugs where changes to modules without update accepters can cause incorrect reloads, and the client code needs refactoring. It's recommended to test thoroughly and report problems on GitHub.

Question 5

Can I use Browserify HMR without Watchify?

Accepted Answer

Yes, manual builds are supported by running Browserify multiple times with the plugin. The README provides an example using ajax mode, but you'll need to handle update timing yourself.

Question 6

How to configure Browserify HMR for AJAX updates?

Accepted Answer

Set the mode to 'ajax' and specify the URL with the -u option. You must also add manual polling code to check for updates, as described in the Plugin Options section with the doCheck function snippet.

browserify-hmr

What is browserify-hmr?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions