Creating a Vue.js application is easy with the Vue CLI, but understanding the project structure it generates is crucial for effective development. In this guide, we’ll break down the files and folders created in a typical Vue.js 3 project, and explain their purposes to set you up for success in your development journey.

Overview of Vue.js Project Structure

When you initiate a Vue.js project using the Vue CLI, a basic template is provided, which includes a specific project structure. Understanding this structure is essential as it outlines where different types of code and configurations reside.

Let’s explore the major components of this structure.

Root Level Files and Folders

Upon creating a new Vue.js application, you will typically encounter the following at the root level:

• Files:
• package.json
• yarn.lock (or package-lock.json if using npm)
• .gitignore
• README.md
• babel.config.js
• Folders:
• node_modules
• public
• src

1. package.json

The package.json file is vital for managing project dependencies and scripts. Here you will find:

• Dependencies: This includes Vue.js version 3 and various development dependencies like Vue CLI and ESLint.
• Scripts: You may see scripts such as:
• serve: To run the application locally.
• build: To bundle the application for production.
• lint: To check code for errors and style issues.

2. yarn.lock or package-lock.json

Based on your choice of package manager (Yarn or npm), you will either see a yarn.lock or package-lock.json file. These files ensure consistent installations of your dependencies across different environments.

3. .gitignore

The .gitignore file specifies which files and directories Git should ignore. It typically includes node_modules and build artifacts.

4. README.md

The README.md file serves as a documentation file for your project, providing insights into project setup and usage for developers.

5. babel.config.js

The babel.config.js is used for configuring Babel, a JavaScript compiler that transforms modern JavaScript code into a format compatible with older browsers.

Folder Breakdown

Let’s go deeper into the folders created in the Vue.js project:

1. node_modules

The node_modules folder contains all the libraries and dependencies installed for your project. This folder is generated automatically when you run commands like npm install or yarn.

2. public Folder

The public folder contains files that are publicly accessible. Inside this folder, the critical file is index.html:

• This is the main HTML file for your application, which serves as the entry point. Typically, you won’t need to modify the contents of this file significantly, except for certain head tag modifications.
• It includes a specific <div> with an id of app, which is crucial since Vue.js will mount the application onto this element.

3. src Folder

The src folder is where all your application logic resides. This is the area you’ll be working with the most during development. Key files and components included here are:

• main.js: The entry point for your Vue application, where the root component is defined and linked to the DOM.
• App.vue: This single file represents the root component of your application and can structure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in one place.
• Components: Additional Vue components can be created within a components subfolder, allowing for reusable pieces of UI. For example, the HelloWorld.vue component.
• Assets: Any static files, such as images or icons, can be stored in an assets folder for easy access.

Control Flow Explanation

When you run your application via the command:

yarn serve

The following happens:

1. index.html is served in your browser, displaying the UI.
2. Control is handed to main.js, where Vue’s createApp function mounts the root component (App.vue) onto the div element with id=app in the HTML.
3. The App component then renders its template, which may include other components like HelloWorld.

Exploring .vue Files

The .vue file type you encounter combines templates, styles, and scripts, making it easy to manage components in a Vue application. Each component encapsulates its functionality and styling, promoting cleaner code and better maintainability.

Conclusion

Understanding the structure of a Vue.js application is essential for effective development. It sets the stage for how you can organize your code, manage your application state, and build reusable components. Familiarize yourself with the project structure to enhance your development efficiency.

As you dive deeper into Vue.js, exploring components and enhancing your application’s functionality will become more intuitive. Stay tuned for our next video, where we will dive deeper into the dot view files and component structure!

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to explore further resources or ask questions in the comments! Your journey into the world of Vue.js is just beginning!