In 2022, the author proposed using Zopfli to compress npm packages by 5%, improving performance and reducing storage costs. Despite rejection, the author conducted proof of concept tests on their own packages, achieving a 6.2% size reduction. They then considered applying this approach to the entire npm registry, but faced challenges related to decompression time and existing package structure. After feedback and reflection, the author concluded that the idea had significant cons, including integration difficulties and slower publishing. Despite the denial, the author found the process valuable, improving their proposal skills and understanding of trade-offs. This experience highlights the complexities of proposing seemingly simple solutions in real-world scenarios.
https://evanhahn.com/my-failed-attempt-to-shrink-all-npm-packages-by-5-percent/