Writing webpack plugins in Rust using SWC for faster builds

The article explores the process of creating custom plugins for the Speedy Web Compiler (SWC), a high-performance JavaScript/TypeScript compiler written in Rust, which can be utilized in webpack builds to enhance build speed. It provides a step-by-step guide on writing a simple SWC plugin that transforms console.log statements to console.debug in a JavaScript project, highlighting the experimental nature of the SWC plugin system and the potential for API changes. The tutorial includes setting up the project environment, implementing the plugin logic by manipulating the Abstract Syntax Tree (AST), and testing the plugin within a webpack configuration using the swc-loader. Despite the plugin system's current experimental status, the article emphasizes SWC's potential to significantly improve frontend build pipelines by offering a more efficient alternative to traditional tools like Babel, and it encourages further exploration of SWC plugin development through resources like the SWC Playground and Viewer project.