Webpack Encore: Current State and Future 📦

Symfony developers today face a choice: stick with Webpack Encore, adopt the new AssetMapper, or explore other alternatives...

I'm often asked about the current state of Webpack Encore in the Symfony ecosystem, its relevance, and what the future holds. Is still a viable option? What about AssetMapper? Is there better alternative?

This article reviews where we are today, compares the options, and looks ahead.

What's Webpack Encore?

Webpack Encore is a simple way to integrate webpack into your Symfony application. It was formerly the default asset management tool in Symfony applications, allowing developers to manage and compile their frontend assets (JavaScript, CSS, images, etc.) easily.

Webpack Encore was created by Ryan Weaver (❤️) in March 2017 and has been the default asset management tool in Symfony for many years. It allows developers to use modern JavaScript features and libraries, such as ES6 modules, optimized chunks, React, Vue.js, and more.

Many years later, Webpack Encore is still maintained and updated, but its popularity has declined with the introduction of Symfony AssetMapper, and the rise of more modern and faster tools like Vite (or ESBuild, Rspack, etc...).

Symfony AssetMapper

Since Symfony 6.3, a new component called AssetMapper has been introduced.

It's the new recommended way to manage frontend assets in Symfony applications, without the need for Node.js or a bundler like Webpack Encore. Thanks to browsers' native support for ES modules and import maps, AssetMapper allows you to use modern JavaScript features and libraries directly in the browser.

The Symfony AssetMapper is a great alternative to Webpack Encore for small to medium-sized projects that don't require complex asset management.

Personally, as a Node.js and bundlers enthusiast, I often prefer using a full Node.js toolchain (with code quality & testing tools) and Webpack Encore for my projects, except for very small projects that I don't really care about and where AssetMapper is perfectly fine.

The rise of Vite

Vite is a modern frontend build tool that has gained popularity in recent years due to its speed and simplicity. It offers a much faster development experience compared to traditional bundlers based on webpack, thanks to its use of native ES modules and on-demand file serving.

Recently, on July 27, 2025, Vite overtook Webpack as the most downloaded JavaScript bundler on npm (npmtrends.com/vite-vs-webpack).

Vite was already very fast and efficient, and it will soon integrate Rolldown, a Rust-based bundler, which will make it even faster.

Vite can easily be integrated into Symfony applications using the lhapaipai's Vite Bundle.

Quick Comparison

Here's a quick comparison of Webpack Encore, Symfony AssetMapper, and Vite:

The future of Webpack Encore

With the rise of Symfony AssetMapper and Vite, the future of Webpack Encore may be uncertain.

While it is still maintained and updated (especially Webpack & loaders upgrades), webpack itself is becoming less popular and relevant in the frontend ecosystem:

• webpack's complexity and configuration can be overwhelming
• Vite's API and speed are more appealing to developers looking for a modern and efficient build tool
• The community around Vite is growing rapidly, with many plugins and integrations being developed

In February 2024, I opened a discussion about Webpack Encore's future suggesting that Webpack Encore should be deprecated in favor of Vite, and make lhapaipai's Vite Bundle the official alternative to Webpack Encore, under the Symfony organization.

Things didn't move much since then, but I believe that in the next few years, Webpack Encore will be gradually phased out in favor of more modern and efficient tools like Vite.

Conclusion

1. Webpack Encore is still a viable option for asset management in Symfony applications, especially for legacy and complex projects
2. Symfony AssetMapper is a great alternative for small to medium-sized projects that don't require complex asset management
3. Vite is a modern and efficient build tool that is gaining popularity in the frontend ecosystem, and can be easily integrated into Symfony applications through community bundles

The future of Webpack Encore is a bit uncertain, but it is still maintained and updated for now. As the frontend ecosystem continues to evolve, developers should consider their project requirements and choose the most suitable tool for their needs.

In the future, Webpack Encore might internally use Rspack to stay relevant and fast… who knows! 👀

Stay tuned! 🚀