Hello, vx

vx is an MIT-licensed task runner and build cache designed for JavaScript monorepos. It runs and caches a task graph, accurately identifying cached tasks and storing them on the local machine. Unlike other task runners, vx does not rely on plugins or cloud services; instead, it operates entirely on the local machine, providing a fast and efficient build process.

The core components of vx include the task graph, the keys for caching, the scheduler that determines the order of tasks, and the local cache that stores the outputs of successful builds. These elements work together to optimize the build process by minimizing the time spent on tool execution and maximizing the utilization of cached outputs.

vx provides a straightforward workflow for users. It can be integrated into a new repository or added to an existing one, one package at a time. The quickstart guide allows users to get started with vx in a matter of minutes. The documentation emphasizes that vx is a self-contained solution, with no hidden dependencies or external services. It refuses to offer additional features like dashboards, daemons, or cloud-based offerings, focusing solely on providing a reliable and locally-run build cache.

For developers interested in performance improvements, vx offers detailed benchmarks comparing its speed to other popular task runners such as Turborepo and Nx. These benchmarks demonstrate the significant time savings that can be achieved when using vx's cache system. The benchmarks are conducted on the same task graph across four different packages, showcasing vx's ability to cache and reuse outputs effectively.

vx is built on Bun, a modern JavaScript runtime, and is entirely open-source. The source code is available on GitHub, and contributions from the community are welcome. The project encourages developers to explore its features and see how vx can streamline their JavaScript monorepo workflows.