Loader

Definitions

1. In build tools like webpack, a transformer that processes a file through a pipeline before bundling — for example, `babel-loader` transpiles ES6+ to ES5, and `css-loader` resolves CSS imports. In systems programming, the OS component (like `ld-linux.so`) that loads executables and shared libraries into memory and resolves symbols.

   In plain English: A plugin that converts files from one format to another during the build process, or the system component that loads programs into memory.

   Example: "Add the TypeScript loader to the webpack config so .ts files get transpiled during the build."

Related Terms

• Bundler
• Pack
• Module Bundler
• Path Alias
• TSConfig
• Turborepo
• TypeScript Compiler
• Webpack Plugin