This is a question asked on stackoverflow which will most likely be closed because it's not a question asking for a straightforward solution. So I'll share it here with some context and answer.

Question:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? I currently have npm scripts for test execution like this in package.json:

  "scripts": {
    "test": "npx playwright test",
    "lint": "eslint . --ext js,ts",
  }

Having never used gulp or grunt, I would like to know if they do have any massive advantages over just using npm scripts? Thank you.

Answer:

You've shown that running tests with npm scripts is simple. Simply run npm run test from the command line to run tests.

The number of npm scripts and their complexity can make them difficult to maintain. In such cases, a task runner like Gulp or Grunt can be helpful.

Gulp and Grunt are JavaScript task runners that automate minification, compilation, unit testing, and linting. Both use configuration files to define tasks that can be run from the command line.

Gulp or Grunt's benefits include:

• With a task runner, you can define all your tasks in a single configuration file, making them easier to manage.

• Task runners offer more configuration options and can run multiple commands or chain tasks together.

• Sharing tasks is easier with a task runner configuration file than with npm scripts.

If npm scripts meet your needs, you don't need a task runner. If your npm scripts are difficult to manage, Gulp or Grunt may be a better option.