Build Process

The build process is the bridge between development code and production code. What you write is not exactly what users receive — the build optimizes it first.

What Happens During a Build

1. TypeScript compilation — Converts TypeScript to JavaScript browsers understand
2. Bundling — Combines many files into fewer, optimized files
3. Minification — Removes whitespace and shortens variable names
4. Tree shaking — Removes unused code
5. Image optimization — Compresses and resizes images
6. Static generation — Pre-renders pages as HTML when possible

Development vs Production

Common Build Errors

• Type errors — TypeScript issues that your editor might have ignored
• Missing dependencies — Packages not properly listed in package.json
• Import errors — Files referencing things that don't exist
• Environment variables — Missing config values needed at build time

When Builds Fail

1. Read the error — Build errors are usually specific and actionable
2. Fix locally first — Run npm run build before pushing
3. Ask AI for help — Paste the build error and let AI diagnose
4. Check recent changes — What did you change since the last successful build?

Building locally before deploying saves you from broken deployments — make it a habit.