Webpack Dev Server
Webpack Dev Server (WDS) is a development server that provides live reloading and hot module replacement (HMR) for web applications built with Webpack. It serves static assets from memory during development, enabling fast feedback loops without writing files to disk. It is commonly used in modern frontend workflows to streamline the development process.
Developers should use Webpack Dev Server when building applications with Webpack to enhance productivity through features like live reloading and HMR, which automatically update the browser when code changes. It is essential for rapid iteration in frontend development, particularly for single-page applications (SPAs) and projects using frameworks like React or Vue.js. It simplifies local development by eliminating manual refreshes and reducing build times.