switch between jquery-1.3.2.js and jquery-1.3.2.min.js

Question

When I develop application, I want to use jquery-1.3.2.js, and when I deploy it, I want to use jquery-1.3.2.min.js?

What is the best way to switch between two without manually commenting and uncommenting one.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I have a HtmlHelper extension method to load my JavaScript files. It looks something like this...

public static string JavascriptTag(this HtmlHelper html, string javascriptName)
{
    var format = "<script src=\"/Content/Scripts/{0}.js\" type=\"text/javascript\"></script>\r\n";

#if (!DEBUG)
    javascriptName += ".min";
#endif

    return string.Format(format, javascriptName);
}

Which is called very simply like:

<%= Html.JavascriptTag("jquery-1.3.2") %>
<%= Html.JavascriptTag("general") %>

I can use this convention because I also have a build task that takes all JS files inside my content/scripts directory, minifies them and then inserts .min into the filename.

If you don't have that luxury, you could use a variation like so:

public static string JavascriptTag(this HtmlHelper html, string devFileName, string liveFileName)
{
    var format = "<script src=\"{0}\" type=\"text/javascript\"></script>\r\n";

    var fileNameToUse = devFileName;
#if (!DEBUG)
    fileNameToUse = liveFileName;
#endif

    return string.Format(format, fileNameToUse );
}

Which could then be called like:

<%= Html.JavascriptTag("/Content/Scripts/jquery-1.3.2.js", "/Content/Scripts/jquery-1.3.2.min.js") %>
<%= Html.JavascriptTag("/Content/Scripts/general.js", "/Content/Scripts/general.min.js") %>

An added bonus of the approach above is that you can use a CDN for libraries, e.g.

<%= Html.JavascriptTag("/Content/Scripts/jquery-1.8.2.js", "http://ajax.aspnetcdn.com/ajax/jQuery/jquery-1.8.2.min.js") %>

Answer 2

Name both files jquery.js for example, and put in some folder (libs) When you deply, don't deploy lib folder.