#task runners

A JS task runner runs commands for you that would otherwise be tedious or impossible. Task runners provide value by automating numerous development tasks such as concatenating files, spinning up development servers, and compiling code. Task runner automatically executes processes behind the scenes, saving both work and time.

Here, we will look at some of the most popular task runner tools to choose from.  ‍

1. Grunt

The Grunt ecosystem is enormous, and it's growing every day. With literally hundreds of plugins to choose from, you can use Grunt to automate just about anything with a minimum of effort. You can choose from any of the plugins available, or you can create one for yourself with Grunt.    

Developed By: Ben Alman  

Pros:  

You can automate repetitive tasks with minimum effort by simply creating a setup file.  

Based on NodeJS, and is very flexible.  

Open-source.  

SASS compilation.  

Grunt has a great community.  

Allows developers to work with a new codebase as it has minimum infrastructure.  

Robust and can advantageously be used for big production sites.  

Top companies using this:  

Twitter  

Udemy  

Medium.com  

Accenture  

Fiverr  

Statistics:  

GitHub stars: 12.1k  

Initial Release: 4 April 2016  

2. Gulp

Gulp is another toolkit to automate and enhance your workflow. Leverage gulp and the flexibility of JavaScript to automate slow, repetitive workflows and compose them into efficient build pipelines. Gulp is efficient, flexible, composable, and provides you with speed and accuracy.  

Developed By: Eric Schoffstall  

Pros:  

Using code over configuration, utilize all of JavaScript to create your gulp file.  

Gulp lets you write individual, focused tasks and compose them into more extensive operations.  

Aspects such as file watching are built-in.  

Most plugins are simple and designed to do a single job.  

Works excellent with browserify.  

Gulp is easy to learn.  

Top companies using this:  

Myntra  

doubleSlash  

Typeform  

Brilliant  

Statistics:  

GitHub stars: 32.3k  

Release Date: 26 September 2013

3. Yarn

The yarn has the reputation of being quick, secure, and reliable. Yarn caches every package it downloads, so it never needs to download it again. It also parallelizes operations to maximize resource utilization, so install times are faster than ever.    

Developed By: Facebook, Exponent, Google, and Tilde  

Pros:  

Yarn parallelizes operations to maximize resource utilization, so install times are faster than ever.  

It uses the Hadoop operating system, which means processes will be resilient and capable of distributing vast data sets.  

Yarn can install any npm package and works where npm fails.  

There is a central controlling authority which, among other things, allows for immense scalability.  

It is highly compatible with existing Hadoop MapReduce applications.  

Top companies using this:  

Trivago  

Revolut  

DoorDash  

Statistics:  

GitHub stars: 40k  

4. RequireJS  

RequireJS is a JavaScript file and module loader. It is optimized for in-browser use, but it can be used in other JavaScript environments, like Rhino and Node. Using a modular script loader like RequireJS will improve the speed and quality of your code.  

Developed By: David Mark  

Pros:  

Combines and streamlines modules into one script for optimal performance.  

In the case of large-sized applications, it can reduce code complexity.  

With React, debugging is more straightforward as it loads files from plain script tags.  

Top companies using this:  

Uber  

Accenture  

Coursera  

Asana  

Booking.com  

Soundcloud  

MasterCard  

Statistics:  

GitHub stars: 12.7k  

Release Date: 19 Feb 2010  

5. Brunch  

Brunch is an assembler for HTML5 applications. Brunch focuses on producing a small number of files that can be deployed from a large number of separate development trees. This front-end development tool provides a smooth and quick work experience. It's agnostic to frameworks, libraries, programming, stylesheet & templating languages, and backend technology.  

Developed By: Paul Miller, Elan Shanker, Nik Graf, Thomas Schranz  

Pros:  

Built-in dev server with live reload.  

Has many pre-configurable framework "skeletons"  

Notifies you about errors via console and system notifications.  

The commands are simple and easy to execute.  

It can create fast-zero builds as well as incremental builds.  

Top companies using this:  

Uber  

Red Bull  

Keakr  

CodeCombat  

Statistics:  

GitHub stars: 6.8k  

Release Date: 7 Jun 2011  

You've joined FlipTask and now you're working to complete your profile. For many of our Task Runners, it can be easy to write the "About Me" portion of the profile. For others, it can be a bit of a challenge to share details about their talents and work. But with these quick tips you can get it done easily. Not only can a completed profile and About Me section provide details and insight about your unique abilities, availability for FlipTask tasks, and more, it can also help you generate more interest for jobs and projects too!

Here are a few quick tips for writing your About Me details:

1. You can write your About Me in a variety of formats. It can be a simple list of your skills and talents, or you can write a paragraph sharing more details. Both can be very effective. It's all about what you feel most comfortable with. 

2. If you're going to use a list format, put your best skills at top of the list where they're easily seen and prominent. If you're going with a paragraph sharing details, begin with a quick introduction to yourself and what your background, experience, etc. is.

3. Special notes such as that you own a truck, or have specific tools, equipment, etc. should also be included in your About details if you'd like, regardless of which format you use.

If you're still not entirely comfortable writing your About Me details, you can always have a friend or family member write it for you. It can be easier for someone to talk about you on your behalf. Any of the above ideas can help!

Me: Bah and also humbug. Make is old and well-tested and obviously not cool enough.

Me: I've moved past grunt and gulp, now I'm into gallop.

Coworker J: I haven't even heard of gallop.

Me: It's version -0.3.0-omega.pre

Coworker J: Dammit, Eli. Are you serious.

At FlipTask, we have Task Runners with all kinds of skills, talents and experience. It could be for personal tasks and errands, like housecleaning or grocery shopping and cooking, to business such as computer help or office work. It can also be indoors or outdoors, like having your gutters cleaned for the coming winter season, yard and garden care. 

FlipTask matches tasks and errands with friendly, local people who can help complete them. For our Task Runners, it's a means to make a little extra cash. All it takes is creating and completing a profile! With these quick and easy steps, you can promote your work as well. Here's how:

1. Make your profile pop! Add a good photo of yourself, and complete your bio along with your skills, talents and work history. Make sure your photo is clear and easy to see. You don't have to dress up! But dressing in something polished and simple can help you get noticed.

2. Share your profile. If you're on social media sites like Twitter or Facebook, or have a blog, share that you're available to complete tasks, work and errands on FlipTask.