Difference between npm run dev and npm run production
Stefan Izdrail
Founder & Senior Architect · 2026-06-29
Title: Difference between npm run dev and npm run production - Understanding Development and Production Environments
Introduction: As you embark on your journey in Laravel and Vue.js development, familiarizing yourself with the different build environments is essential for a successful web application. This blog post will help you understand the key differences between two of these environments: development (npm run dev) and production (npm run production).
Body:
1. Understanding Development Environment (npm run dev):
The development environment, accessed through npm run dev, is a local test environment designed for developers to modify, test, and debug their code without affecting the application's live site. This mode enables you to experiment with changes and improvements in your project while keeping it separate from the production site.
1.1. Code examples:
Let's use Laravel as an example. To start a development server for a basic Laravel installation, simply run the following command in the terminal:
```bash
php artisan serve
```
2. Understanding Production Environment (npm run production):
On the other hand, the production environment is where your application's final product is meant to be hosted. This setting ensures that your app runs as efficiently and securely as possible. It often includes specific optimization techniques that are not required or even unsuitable for development environments.
2.1. Code examples:
To set up a Vue.js application's production environment, you can use a tool like Vite, which automatically bundles and minifies your code for optimal performance on the live site. Here is an example command to start a Vite server in production mode:
```bash
npm run build && npx vite preview --mode production
```
3. Differences between npm run dev and npm run production:
The primary difference between the two environments lies in the optimizations and code execution. In development mode, your code runs with minimal optimization (which may slow down performance) to make debugging easier for developers. This allows you to focus on refining and perfecting the application's features rather than worrying about speed or security issues.
On the other hand, production mode is designed to ensure that the final product works seamlessly and efficiently. It often implements optimizations like code minification, bundling, and other techniques that improve performance while ensuring that all dependencies are loaded correctly. The ultimate goal of a production environment is to create a stable and fast end-user experience.
4. Environment variables:
Lastly, it's essential to understand how different environment variables are defined and used in each mode. In the development environment, you may use .env files or other methods for storing sensitive data such as API keys. When transitioning to production, however, you should migrate this information into a more secure and manageable system like an Environment File (ENV) or Key Management System (KMS).
Conclusion:
The difference between npm run dev and npm run production is simple but crucial for maintaining the optimal performance of your Laravel and Vue.js applications. By understanding these environments, you can ensure that your code runs smoothly in both scenarios and provide your users with an excellent experience on all devices.