Disabling NGCC (Angular Compatibility Compiler) in Angular 12 can be important for various reasons, including improving build performance, avoiding compatibility issues, or simplifying the project configuration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to disable NGCC effectively, including helpful insights, troubleshooting tips, and the implications of this decision. Let's dive into it! 🏊♂️
What is NGCC? 🤔
Before we jump into the steps, let’s clarify what NGCC is. The Angular Compatibility Compiler is a tool that allows Angular to work with packages that were not built with Ivy (Angular's rendering engine). It processes the packages and transforms their code so that they can be used seamlessly in your Angular application. While NGCC is beneficial for compatibility, there are scenarios where developers may wish to disable it.
Why Disable NGCC? ❓
There are several reasons why developers might want to disable NGCC:
-
Performance Improvements: In larger applications, NGCC can slow down the build process significantly. Disabling it can lead to faster builds.
-
Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, packages may not play well with NGCC, leading to errors or unexpected behavior.
-
Use of Ivy-Enabled Packages: If all your dependencies are built with Ivy, there may be little need for NGCC.
-
Simplifying Configuration: Disabling NGCC can simplify project settings, especially for those new to Angular.
Step-by-Step Guide to Disable NGCC 🚀
Here’s how to disable NGCC in Angular 12:
Step 1: Update Your Angular Version 🆕
First and foremost, ensure that you’re working with Angular 12. You can check your current version with the following command:
ng version
If you need to update, run:
ng update @angular/core @angular/cli
Step 2: Update Angular Configuration 📁
Next, you’ll need to update your Angular configuration file, angular.json
. Open the angular.json
file in your project root and look for the projects
section.
You will find your project name; navigate to the architect.build.options
part of your configuration:
"architect": {
"build": {
"options": {
...
"enableIvy": true
}
}
}
Ensure enableIvy
is set to true
. This ensures that you are using Ivy's rendering engine, which does not require NGCC.
Step 3: Disable NGCC in Package Configuration 🛠️
Next, you will need to configure your package settings to disable NGCC. To do this, add a ngcc
configuration to your tsconfig.app.json
file, or if you do not have one, create it:
{
"angularCompilerOptions": {
"enableIvy": true,
"enableNgcc": false
}
}
This configuration explicitly disables NGCC while keeping Ivy enabled.
Step 4: Clean Your Project 🔧
After making these changes, it’s crucial to clean your project to ensure that previous builds do not interfere with the new settings. You can do this by deleting the node_modules
directory and the package-lock.json
file, then reinstalling your dependencies:
rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json
npm install
Step 5: Build and Test Your Application 🧪
Once everything is configured, it’s time to build your application to ensure everything works smoothly. Run the build command:
ng build
After that, you can serve your application to see if it functions as expected:
ng serve
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues ⚠️
Even with a smooth setup, you might encounter issues after disabling NGCC. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Errors related to third-party libraries | Check if those libraries are compatible with Ivy. If not, consider updating them. |
Build fails unexpectedly | Recheck your angular.json and tsconfig.app.json for any misconfigurations. |
Application runs slowly | Profile your application using Angular's built-in tools to find performance bottlenecks. |
Important Note: Always keep your dependencies up to date, as many libraries continually improve their compatibility with Ivy.
Best Practices When Disabling NGCC 💡
-
Backup Your Project: Before making significant changes, ensure you have backups. You can use version control systems like Git.
-
Monitor Dependencies: If you heavily rely on external libraries, always monitor their updates and documentation regarding Ivy compatibility.
-
Document Changes: Keep track of changes made when disabling NGCC for future reference, especially if you plan to revert or need to debug.
-
Stay Informed: Follow the Angular release notes and community discussions for updates on NGCC and Ivy compatibility.
Conclusion 🎉
Disabling NGCC in Angular 12 can offer you performance gains and resolve certain compatibility issues if done correctly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to make informed decisions about the use of NGCC in your project. Remember to test your application thoroughly after making these adjustments to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Make sure to adapt and modify your approach based on your project's specific requirements, and keep an eye on future updates from Angular that may impact how you manage compatibility. Happy coding! 🌟