javascript - Why using jquery map?

Question

Why using jquery.min.map if:

jquery = 242 ko
jquery.min + jquery.min.map = 83 + 125 = 208 ko (the map is even greater than the library)

And if we remove the comments, we will get a small jquery that could be easier to read (and to debug).

So, why using the map if it will only add more than 100 ko and an extra request?

What is the best practice?

Answer 1

Source maps are loaded only when the developer tools are active. Browsers won't load them for application's users.

Edit: It should be mentioned that there are 2 types of source maps. One which is an external file and there is a link to it in the actual file and another one which is embedded in the main file. Browsers actually have to load the entire file (i.e. including the embedded source map) for the second type.

Check https://www.html5rocks.com/en/tutorials/developertools/sourcemaps/ for more information.