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    Vue CLI

    Official scaffolding tool for creating and configuring Vue.js projects.

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    ToolTrim verdict3.6/ 5Average

    Vue CLI is in maintenance mode; for new projects, prefer create-vue with Vite for better performance.

    Vue CLI, preview 1
    About

    In practice. What you can do with Vue CLI.

    Vue CLI is the official tool for initializing and configuring Vue.js projects with Webpack and a plugin system.

    Practical uses

    • Maintain existing Vue CLI projects.
    • Progressively migrate from Vue CLI to Vite.
    • Work in teamsEstablished webpack infrastructure.

    Features & use cases

    Build tooling
    Frontend framework

    Pros and cons. What Vue CLI does well, and what to expect.

    Pros

    • Official and reliable tool for existing Vue projects.
    • Support for various plugins (TypeScript, Router, Vuex, ESLint).
    • Interactive interface for configuration.
    • Widely adopted in established Vue applications.
    • Good official documentation.

    Cons

    • In maintenance mode — no new development.
    • Webpack can be slower than Vite for dev server.
    • For new projects, create-vue + Vite is recommended.
    • Configuration can be verbose for complex setups.

    When it makes sense. Keep Vue CLI, or challenge it?

    Keep if

    • You maintain an existing Vue 2 or Vue 3 codebase.
    • You have webpack-based projects with Vue CLI in place.

    Challenge if

    • You're starting a new Vue project (prefer create-vue with Vite).
    • You're looking for a modern and performant scaffolding solution.

    Pricing. What does Vue CLI cost ?

    Free

    $0

    Open source / Free

    Alternatives. What could replace Vue CLI?

    Current

    Our verdict. What to know about Vue CLI.

    Why this verdict

    Average

    Vue CLI is fairly easy to replace with an alternative, a free tier to test before paying, clearly documented use cases.

    Vue CLI Summary

    Category
    productivity tool.
    Price from
    Free.
    Best for
    professionals.
    Avoid if
    You're starting a new Vue project (prefer create-vue with Vite); You're looking for a modern and performant scaffolding solution.
    Alternatives
    React, Svelte.
    ToolTrim verdict
    Vue CLI is in maintenance mode; for new projects, prefer create-vue with Vite for better performance.

    Frequently asked questions.

    What to know before choosing Vue CLI.

    What is Vue CLI used for?

    Official scaffolding tool for creating and configuring Vue.js projects.

    How much does Vue CLI cost?

    Vue CLI costs $0 (free).

    Is Vue CLI suitable for beginners?

    Vue CLI suits most professionals. See the "Who is it for" section for details.

    Is Vue CLI worth the price?

    Vue CLI is in maintenance mode; for new projects, prefer create-vue with Vite for better performance.

    What are the best alternatives to Vue CLI?

    The main alternatives to Vue CLI are: React, Svelte. Free alternatives: React, Svelte.

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