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Guide · Open source

How to use rolldown: what it is, setup and key facts

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

Rolldown is an open-source bundler that takes JavaScript and TypeScript source files and packs them into optimized output that browsers or servers can run. It is written in Rust and aims to keep a Rollup-compatible API and plugin interface. This guide explains what it is, what you need before starting, and how to decide whether it fits your project.

Rolldownrolldown/rolldown · ★ 14k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Check prerequisites. Confirm Node.js is installed, as the source lists it as the prerequisite.
  2. 2Read the getting started guide. Open rolldown.rs/guide/getting-started for the official install and usage steps, since the README contains no install commands.
  3. 3Install through a package manager. Add the rolldown package to your project using your package manager, following the documentation.
  4. 4Bundle your JavaScript or TypeScript. Run rolldown on your source files following the documented usage to produce optimized output.
  5. 5Reuse Rollup plugins where possible. Because the API and plugin interface are Rollup-compatible, check whether your existing Rollup plugins work with rolldown.
  6. 6Evaluate stability for your project. Since the README states no maturity level, test your build thoroughly before relying on it in production.

What rolldown does

Rolldown is a JavaScript/TypeScript bundler written in Rust. A bundler combines your source files into output files that browsers or servers can run.

The project is intended to become the future bundler used in Vite. Its README says it will be more similar to esbuild in scope, while providing Rollup-compatible APIs and a Rollup-compatible plugin interface.

Prerequisites before you start

The source lists Node.js as the prerequisite and says rolldown is installed through a package manager. The README does not include install commands, so check the official documentation at rolldown.rs for the exact steps.

  • Node.js installed on your machine
  • A JavaScript or TypeScript project to bundle
  • A package manager to install the rolldown package

Who should use rolldown

Rolldown fits developers who already use Rollup plugins and want a faster bundler, Vite users interested in the planned future bundler, and contributors interested in Rust-based JavaScript tooling.

  • Developers already using Rollup plugins who want a faster bundler
  • Vite users following the planned future bundler
  • Teams who want a Rust-based build tool for JavaScript or TypeScript

Limits and what to check first

The README does not state a stability or maturity level, so it is not a clear choice for beginners who need a fully documented, stable production tool. It targets JavaScript and TypeScript only.

It will be similar in scope to esbuild, but the README does not promise identical behavior, so do not assume esbuild-specific behavior carries over.

  • No stated stability or maturity level in the README
  • JavaScript and TypeScript only
  • Not guaranteed to match esbuild behavior

Where to find documentation and get involved

The main documentation is at rolldown.rs, starting with the getting started guide. Rolldown is a project of VoidZero, and contributors can read the Contributing Guide at rolldown.rs/contribution-guide. The project is MIT licensed.

  • Documentation: rolldown.rs/guide/getting-started
  • Contributing Guide: rolldown.rs/contribution-guide
  • Community chat: chat.rolldown.rs

What people use it for

  • Bundling a JavaScript or TypeScript project with a Rust-based build tool
  • Moving an existing Rollup-based build to a faster bundler that keeps Rollup plugins
  • Trying the bundler that Vite plans to adopt in the future
  • Contributing to Rust-based JavaScript tooling

Frequently asked questions

Is rolldown free to use?

Yes. The project is licensed under the MIT License, which the README links to in its LICENSE file. Check the license text for the full terms.

What do I need to install rolldown?

The source lists Node.js as the prerequisite and a package manager for installation. The README does not include install commands, so follow the official guide at rolldown.rs.

Is rolldown the same as Rollup?

No. It provides Rollup-compatible APIs and a Rollup-compatible plugin interface, but it is written in Rust and is intended to be more similar to esbuild in scope.

Is rolldown better than esbuild?

The source does not make that claim. It says rolldown will be more similar to esbuild in scope, but does not promise identical behavior, so test it against your own build.

Is rolldown ready for production?

The README does not state a stability or maturity level. Beginners who need a fully documented, stable production tool should evaluate it carefully first.

Can rolldown bundle Python or other non-JavaScript code?

No. The source says rolldown targets JavaScript and TypeScript only.

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Our verdict

Rolldown suits developers who already use Rollup plugins, Vite users curious about its planned role, and contributors interested in Rust-based JavaScript tooling. Beginners who need a clearly stable, fully documented production tool, or projects that depend on esbuild-specific behavior, should pick something else such as Rollup, esbuild or Vite itself.

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