SWC

SWC is a Rust-based compiler for fast JavaScript and TypeScript transforms, JSX, and minification. Frameworks like Next.js use SWC in their build pipelines to reduce feedback latency.

SWC handles syntax-level TypeScript—types are erased without semantic validation. Teams still run `tsc`, `typescript-eslint` type-aware rules, or equivalent checks.

On interviews: SWC versus Babel trade-offs, Next.js integration, minify role, and migration blockers from custom Babel plugins.

Common pitfalls: replacing Babel without auditing plugin parity; dropping typecheck because compile is fast; environment-specific SWC config drift.

The trade-off is compile performance versus Babel's transformation ecosystem.

Checklist:

• Keep semantic typecheck in CI.
• Benchmark real project transforms.
• Audit plugin compatibility before migration.
• Treat SWC as syntax layer, not linter.