ncc

Compile Node.js project

$ ncc build [src/index.js]

$ ncc build [src/index.js] -o [dist/]

$ ncc build [src/index.js] -m

$ ncc build [src/index.js] -s

$ ncc build [src/index.js] -w

$ ncc run [src/index.js]

$ ncc build [src/index.ts]

ncc [build] [run] [-o dir] [-m] [-s] [-w] [options] file

ncc (Node.js Compiler Collection) compiles Node.js projects into a single file. It bundles code and dependencies, producing portable output that runs without node_modules.
The compiler handles CommonJS and ES modules, automatically resolving imports. Native modules and assets are extracted alongside the bundle.
TypeScript and modern JavaScript features are transpiled automatically. The output targets Node.js, maintaining compatibility with Node's module system.
Externals keep specific packages out of the bundle. This is useful for native modules that can't be bundled or for reducing size when dependencies are available at runtime.
Minification reduces output size. Source maps enable debugging of bundled code by mapping back to original sources.
Watch mode recompiles on file changes, useful during development.

build FILE

Compile to single file.

Compile and run.

Output directory.

Minify output.

Generate source maps.

Watch for changes.

Keep package external.

Emit asset files separately.

Output license file.

Quiet mode.

Show version.

Native modules need special handling. Dynamic requires may not resolve. Some packages have bundling issues. Large bundles can be slow to build.

ncc was created by Vercel (formerly ZEIT) around 2018 to simplify Node.js deployment. It enables distributing Node.js applications as single files, similar to Go binaries, addressing node_modules complexity.

webpack(1), esbuild(1), rollup(1), pkg(1)