2. Building Tools

2.1 Install Node.js

First, you must download and install node.js (which includes npm). npm stands for node packaged modules and is a way to manage development dependencies through Node.js. You can check it in your terminal window using these commands node --version and npm --version. You can download Node.js here.

2.2 Working with Grunt

Grunt is a JavaScript task runner (Automation), save yourself from repetitive tasks. It's how we compile our code, run tests, and more.

Installing Grunt

From the command line:

  • Install grunt-cli globally with npm install -g grunt-cli.
  • Navigate to the root /remark/ directory, then run npm install. npm will look at the package.json file and automatically install the necessary local dependencies listed there.

When completed, you'll be able to run the various Grunt commands provided from the command line.

Grunt Commands

grunt

We have defined all the task by default. Grunt will compile less and js files. You can modify or add your task in Grunfile.js.

Useful commands list:

  • grunt clean-dist: clean task.
  • grunt dist-js: complied js file and minify them.
  • grunt dist-css: complied less file and minify them.
  • grunt less-compile: complied less file.
  • grunt dist-vendor: vendor distribution task.
  • grunt dist-fonts: fonts distribution task.
  • grunt dist: full distribution task.

Note: more task configs we defined are under the grunt folder.

You can learn more about how to write grunt task files from http://gruntjs.com/