Import vs CDN in JavaScript

When it comes to exporting external resources in web development there are typically two options : importing the resources locally (Import) or Content Delivery Network (CDN). Here we will discuss both in details :

Import Locally :

Importing locally means the downloading the framework, library or any other resources to your project's directory and referencing them within your project.

Advantages :

1. Offline Availability : Your project can run without internet since all resources are available offline.

2. Control over version : You can choose and control the version of the resource according to the project requirements which increase consistency.

3. Security and Privacy : You don't have to depend on third party for your resources.

Disadvantages :

1. Maintenance : staying upto date with the latest version of the resources.

2. Storage : Storing files locally increase the size of the project incase of large files or multiple dependencies.

3. Increased load time : As files are downloaded from the server first it increase the load time.

Content Delivery Network :

A CDN is a network of servers distributed across various location that serves content to users from the nearest server available to that user.The content can be HTML pages, Javascript files, images, videos, stylesheets etc.

How CDN works ?

1. Geographical distribution : Multiple servers are setup across the region know as edge server cache the content for faster delivery.

2. Content Caching : User request is fulfilled from the nearest server available, it the file is not available then it request from the other servers or from the origin and cache it for future uses.

Advantages :

1. Improved performance : By serving content from the nearest server reduces the load time as well as cost.

2. Scalability : CDN can handle heavy traffic make it highly reliable.

3. Global Reach: CDNs enable websites to deliver content efficiently to users around the world, expanding the website’s reach.

Disadvantages :

1. Dependency on internet : Resources will not get loaded if user does not have stable internet connection.

2. Privacy Concerns : Using a CDN means relying on third party which may not be suitable for project with strict privacy or data security requirements.

What to choose ?

For testing or self-projects, a CDN is a good choice for fast implementation. However, for deployment, importing resources locally might be a better choice due to the greater control over the files.

Alternatively, you can host your files on a CDN while maintaining control over them, thereby combining the advantages of both approaches.