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PluginManager-JS

@carry0987/plugin-manager is a Node.js and TypeScript utility for assembling front-end package assets and local static files into a predictable output directory.

It is a good fit when you need to:

  • Prepare front-end assets for templates, themes, or plugin-based systems
  • Select only the js, css, svg, or other release files you want from node_modules
  • Combine third-party packages with local project assets in one deployment folder
  • Reset build output before each run, then clean unnecessary files and empty directories afterward

Core capabilities​

Declarative rules instead of scattered copy scripts​

copyPackages() lets you describe which package to read, which subdirectory to use, which files to keep, and where they should land, without writing custom copy logic for every dependency.

Stable and predictable output structure​

Every package rule is constrained to this output scope:

targetDir/<package-name>/...

If to is provided, files are copied to:

targetDir/<package-name>/<to>/...

This makes output paths predictable and prevents rules from accidentally writing outside the intended package directory.

Built-in safety checks​

The implementation already guards against several common mistakes:

  • name, from, and to must be relative paths
  • .. cannot be used to escape the allowed package output scope
  • If two rules would overwrite the same destination, an error is thrown immediately
  • Missing packages or source directories can be skipped with optional: true

Package files and local files can be combined​

Alongside copyPackages(), you can use copyFiles() to copy a normal directory, preserve its relative structure, and filter files with include and exclude patterns.

Most projects can use this sequence:

  1. Use emptyDir() to reset the output directory
  2. Use copyPackages() to bring in third-party assets
  3. Use copyFiles() to add local templates or overrides
  4. Use clearUnnecessaryFiles() to keep only what should ship
  5. Use clearEmptyDirs() to remove empty folders left behind

Continue with Getting Started, or jump to the API Reference for the full method and type surface.