Prioritize Bun: Standardizing Package Manager Examples

In the realm of modern JavaScript development, managing dependencies efficiently is paramount. This article delves into the crucial task of standardizing package manager examples within a monorepo environment, with a specific focus on prioritizing Bun as the primary package manager. Consistency in documentation ensures a smoother experience for contributors and reduces potential confusion. Our rollercoaster-dev monorepo is committed to providing clear and concise instructions for package installation across all our modules. This initiative stems from a comprehensive documentation audit conducted on 2025-11-30, highlighting inconsistencies in how package manager examples are presented across different packages. By adopting a standardized approach, we aim to streamline the development process and foster a more cohesive ecosystem within our monorepo.

Current State of Package Manager Examples

Currently, there's a noticeable inconsistency in how package manager examples are presented across our packages. Some packages, like rd-logger and openbadges-types, only showcase examples for npm, yarn, and pnpm, omitting Bun entirely. This omission is particularly problematic given our monorepo's emphasis on Bun as the primary tooling. Other packages, such as openbadges-ui, correctly include Bun examples, but this inconsistency creates a disjointed experience for developers navigating our documentation. To illustrate the current state, consider the following table:

This table clearly demonstrates the need for standardization. The absence of Bun examples in some packages not only contradicts our monorepo's tooling preference but also potentially misleads contributors who might be less familiar with alternative package managers. Addressing this inconsistency is a key step toward improving the overall developer experience within our ecosystem.

Desired State: Prioritizing Bun

The desired state is to present a consistent and clear set of package manager examples across all package READMEs. Our primary objective is to prioritize Bun as the recommended package manager, aligning with the monorepo's tooling strategy. This means that Bun examples should always be displayed first, followed by npm as the second most common choice for external consumers. While yarn and pnpm are valuable options, they will be presented as optional alternatives for completeness. This approach ensures that developers are immediately guided towards the preferred method while still having access to other options if needed. By consistently showcasing Bun first, we reinforce its importance within our ecosystem and encourage its adoption among contributors.

To achieve this desired state, all package READMEs should adhere to the following order:

1. bun (primary - matches monorepo tooling)
2. npm (most common for external consumers)
3. yarn/pnpm (optional, for completeness)

This structured approach ensures clarity and consistency, making it easier for developers to find the information they need and to use the recommended tools effectively.

Example Format for Consistency

To maintain consistency across all package READMEs, we will adopt a standardized format for presenting package manager examples. This format will clearly delineate each package manager's command, making it easy for developers to copy and paste the appropriate command for their chosen tool. The recommended format is as follows:

# Using bun (recommended)
bun add @rollercoaster-dev/package-name

# Using npm
npm install @rollercoaster-dev/package-name

# Using yarn
yarn add @rollercoaster-dev/package-name

This format uses comments to clearly indicate the package manager being used, starting with Bun as the recommended option. Each command is presented on a separate line for readability. This standardized format will not only improve the clarity of our documentation but also reinforce the priority of Bun within our development workflow. By consistently applying this format, we can ensure a unified and user-friendly experience for all contributors.

Specific Files to Update

To implement these changes, several files need to be updated within our monorepo. The primary focus will be on the README.md files located within each package directory. Specifically, the following files have been identified as requiring updates:

• [ ] packages/rd-logger/README.md
• [ ] packages/openbadges-types/README.md
• [ ] Verify packages/openbadges-ui/README.md (may be correct)
• [ ] Any other package READMEs

The first two files, rd-logger/README.md and openbadges-types/README.md, are known to be missing Bun examples and will require immediate attention. The openbadges-ui/README.md file needs to be verified to ensure it already adheres to the desired format. Additionally, a comprehensive review of all other package READMEs within the monorepo should be conducted to identify any further inconsistencies. This systematic approach will ensure that all relevant files are updated to reflect the standardized package manager examples.

Impact of Standardization

The impact of standardizing package manager examples extends beyond mere consistency; it significantly enhances the overall developer experience and contributes to the efficiency of our monorepo. By prioritizing Bun, we encourage its adoption and leverage its benefits, such as faster installation speeds and improved performance. Clear and consistent documentation reduces confusion and minimizes the time developers spend searching for the correct installation commands. This, in turn, allows them to focus on more critical tasks, such as code development and feature implementation. Furthermore, standardization fosters a more cohesive and professional image for our project, making it more welcoming to new contributors. Ultimately, this initiative streamlines our development workflow, improves collaboration, and reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, user-friendly resources.

Benefits of Prioritizing Bun

Prioritizing Bun in our package manager examples brings a multitude of advantages to our development workflow. Bun is known for its exceptional speed and efficiency, making it a powerful tool for modern JavaScript projects. By showcasing Bun first, we encourage developers to adopt this faster and more streamlined approach to dependency management. This not only saves time during installation but also contributes to overall project performance. Additionally, Bun’s compatibility with existing npm packages ensures a smooth transition for developers already familiar with npm. The emphasis on Bun aligns our monorepo with cutting-edge technology and positions us as forward-thinking in the JavaScript ecosystem. Furthermore, promoting Bun can lead to more consistent and reproducible builds, reducing the likelihood of compatibility issues across different development environments.

Addressing Potential Confusion

While prioritizing Bun is essential, we also recognize the importance of addressing potential confusion among developers who might be more familiar with other package managers. To mitigate this, we explicitly state that Bun is the recommended package manager while still providing clear examples for npm, yarn, and pnpm. This approach caters to a diverse range of developer preferences and skill levels. By including alternatives, we ensure that developers can choose the tool that best suits their needs while still being guided towards our preferred method. Moreover, clear comments within the code examples, such as “# Using bun (recommended),” further clarify the recommended approach. This balanced approach ensures that our documentation is both informative and accessible, fostering a welcoming environment for all contributors.

Long-Term Maintainability

Standardizing package manager examples also contributes to the long-term maintainability of our documentation. By adopting a consistent format, we make it easier to update and maintain our README files over time. This reduces the risk of inconsistencies creeping in as new packages are added or existing ones are updated. A standardized approach simplifies the process of auditing our documentation and ensures that all examples remain accurate and up-to-date. Furthermore, clear and consistent documentation reduces the burden on maintainers by minimizing the number of questions and support requests related to package installation. This proactive approach to documentation management ensures that our resources remain valuable and reliable for the long term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, standardizing package manager examples and prioritizing Bun is a crucial step in optimizing our development workflow and enhancing the overall developer experience within the rollercoaster-dev monorepo. By addressing inconsistencies in our documentation, we are fostering a more cohesive and efficient environment for contributors. The clear and consistent presentation of package manager examples, with Bun as the primary recommendation, aligns with our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and providing high-quality resources. This initiative not only streamlines the installation process but also contributes to the long-term maintainability of our project. By implementing these changes, we are creating a more welcoming and productive ecosystem for all developers involved.

For more information on Bun and its benefits, please visit the official Bun website. This external resource provides comprehensive documentation and insights into the capabilities of Bun as a modern JavaScript runtime and package manager.