19.4.2 Setting Up the ClojureScript Environment

Set Up and Integrate ClojureScript into Your Workflow

In this section, we focus on equipping you with the necessary tools and knowledge to establish a functional ClojureScript environment. As a Java developer delving into the world of Clojure, mastering the setup and operation of effective build tools is critical. These processes are pivotal for front-end development with ClojureScript, ensuring smooth integration and efficient coding practices.

Prerequisites

Before diving into setting up you must ensure you have Java, Clojure, and Leiningen installed on your system. Verify that your versions are up-to-date to achieve the best compatibility and performance.

java -version
clojure -v
lein -v

Choosing the Right Tool: Figwheel Main vs. Shadow CLJS

Both Figwheel Main and Shadow CLJS offer powerful capabilities for developing ClojureScript applications. Here’s a brief rundown of the two tools:

• Figwheel Main

  • Designed for simplicity and ease of integration, ideal for those new to ClojureScript.
  • Supports hot-reloading; automatically refreshes your browser whenever code changes.

• Shadow CLJS

  • Offers more extensive control and configuration options ideal for complex projects.
  • Provides fast builds and sophisticated module loading strategies.

Setting Up Figwheel Main

Install Figwheel Main using Leiningen and create a new project:

lein new figwheel-main my-cljs-app -- --reagent

Navigate to your project directory and start the Figwheel development server:

cd my-cljs-app
lein fig:build

Configure your deps.edn file to manage dependencies and the compiler options. Include all necessary libraries as part of this setup.

Setting Up Shadow CLJS

First, globally install Shadow CLJS:

npm install -g shadow-cljs

Initialize a new ClojureScript project:

shadow-cljs new my-shadow-app
cd my-shadow-app
npm install

Run the Shadow CLJS server and watch for build changes:

shadow-cljs watch app

Your shadow-cljs.edn file serves as the primary configuration file, defining build targets and dependencies.

Configuring Your Project Files

Ensure your ClojureScript environment is properly configured by editing project files:

• deps.edn or project.clj: Manage dependencies.
• shadow-cljs.edn: Set up advanced build configurations.
• src/: Directory for all source ClojureScript files.

Benefits of Using Live Reloading

• Immediate Feedback: See changes as you type, allowing you to quickly iterate on designs and functions.
• Reduced Downtime: Focus more on writing code with fewer disruptions due to builds or reload times.
• Enhanced Development Experience: Empowers developers to keep their stack minimal and compatible.

With these steps complete, your ClojureScript environment is set up for productive development. Take advantage of the live-reloading features and enjoy refining your front-end applications more efficiently.