What does a frontend build system do in a Liferay project?

A frontend build system in a Liferay project primarily focuses on task automation related to the development of static assets such as JavaScript, CSS, and images. Its core functions include asset compilation, bundling, and minification, which are pivotal in optimizing the performance and efficiency of web applications.

When assets are compiled, code written in higher-level languages or formats gets transformed into browser-compatible versions. For instance, Sass or LESS files might be compiled into standard CSS. Bundling aggregates multiple files into single files, which reduces the number of requests made to the server, resulting in quicker load times for users. Minification, on the other hand, strips out unnecessary characters from the code (like whitespace, comments, etc.), reducing file size and, consequently, the load time of web pages.

By automating these processes, a frontend build system ensures consistency and efficiency while enabling developers to focus on building features rather than wrestling with manual optimizations. It plays a critical role in creating a polished, production-ready product that performs well in a Liferay environment.

Other options do not accurately describe the functions of a frontend build system. For instance, managing user roles and permissions is more related to backend security and user management services. Monitoring network traffic pertains to performance analytics and