Introduction to Prek

In today's fast-paced development world, efficiency is key. Developers often seek tools that streamline their workflows. One such tool is Prek, a reimagined version of the popular pre-commit framework. Built in Rust, Prek promises to deliver faster operations without the need for dependencies, making it a go-to solution for many.

Prek is not just about speed; it also adds features that developers have long desired. With its growing adoption in real-world projects, including CPython and Apache Airflow, it’s clear that Prek is making waves. Many developers are switching to Prek for its efficiency and simplicity, leading to a more productive coding environment.

In this article, we will explore the key features of Prek, how to get started, its advantages over pre-commit, and real-world applications. Let’s dive into the world of Prek!

What Makes Prek Stand Out?

When comparing Prek to its predecessor, Prek shines in several key areas:

Single Binary: Prek operates as a single binary, which means no additional runtimes like Python are necessary. This reduces the overhead and potential complications that can arise from managing multiple dependencies. By having everything contained in one executable, you simplify deployment and reduce the risk of version conflicts.
Speed: It is significantly faster than pre-commit, which can save time in your development cycle. In benchmarks, Prek has shown to reduce hook execution times by nearly 50% in some scenarios. For example, if a pre-commit hook takes 2 seconds to run, Prek might accomplish the same task in just 1 second.
Compatibility: Developers can use existing pre-commit configurations and hooks without hassle. This ensures a smooth transition for teams already familiar with the pre-commit framework, allowing them to get started quickly without reconfiguring their entire setup.
Monorepo Support: Prek provides built-in support for monorepos, enhancing organization and usability. This is particularly beneficial for large projects that contain multiple packages. Developers can manage dependencies across all packages seamlessly, which is a common pain point in large codebases.
Improved Toolchain Installations: It simplifies installations for various programming languages, including Python, Node.js, and Rust, leading to less time spent on setup and more time coding. Prek's design allows for shared installations, which means that multiple hooks can utilize the same toolchain without needing to install separate instances.

These features make Prek a compelling choice for developers looking to optimize their workflows. Furthermore, the fact that it is built in Rust means it benefits from the performance and safety features that Rust offers, making it a robust option for modern development needs.

Prek vs Pre-Commit Features

Binary Type Single Binary

Execution Speed 50% Faster

Compatibility Seamless Transition

Monorepo Support Built-In

Getting Started with Prek

Ready to try Prek? The installation process is straightforward. Here are the primary methods:

Standalone Installer

For Linux and macOS users, you can easily install Prek using the command line:

curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -LsSf https://github.com/j178/prek/releases/download/v0.3.1/prek-installer.sh | sh

This command fetches the installation script directly from the official repository and executes it. This method ensures you always get the latest version of Prek without having to manually download files.

Windows users can run the following command in PowerShell:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy ByPass -c "irm https://github.com/j178/prek/releases/download/v0.3.1/prek-installer.ps1 | iex"

This method is equally straightforward, allowing Windows users to integrate Prek into their development environment quickly. Once installed, you can verify the installation by running:

prek --version

Installation via Package Managers

Prek is also available through various package managers, making it even easier to integrate into your existing workflow:

PyPI: Install it using pip, uv, or pipx:

uv tool install prek

Homebrew: For macOS users, simply run:

brew install prek

npm: You can also install it as a Node.js package:

npm add -D @j178/prek

Additionally, for developers working with tools like mise, you can easily integrate Prek by using:

mise use prek

This command allows you to leverage Prek within the mise environment, making it easier to manage your project's dependencies and workflows.

After installation, you’ll want to set up your configuration. Prek allows you to use existing pre-commit configurations, which can help transition smoothly. Simply point to your existing configuration file, and you’re ready to go!

Why Choose Prek Over Pre-Commit?

So, why should you consider switching from pre-commit to Prek? Here are a few compelling reasons:

Efficiency: Prek's design focuses on speed, which can lead to faster development cycles. Developers have reported significant reductions in the time taken to run hooks, allowing them to focus more on writing code rather than waiting for processes to finish. For example, in a typical workflow, reducing hook execution time from 4 seconds to 2 seconds can make a substantial difference when repeated hundreds of times.
No Dependencies: Since it’s a single binary, you won’t face the hassle of managing multiple dependencies. This simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance, which is often a headache for teams. You can spend less time resolving conflicts and more time developing.
Community Support: Prek is gaining traction, meaning you’re likely to find community support and resources as it grows. With an active GitHub repository and a growing user base, help is just a click away. Participate in discussions, report issues, or contribute to its development, fostering a vibrant community around Prek.

Switching to Prek could significantly enhance your productivity as a developer. Imagine being able to run your hooks faster and without the usual setup headaches. This is the reality that Prek provides.

Real-World Use Cases

Prek is already being used in various significant projects. Here are two practical examples:

Example 1: CPython

As the reference implementation of the Python programming language, CPython benefits from Prek’s speed and efficiency. Using Prek allows contributors to run hooks quickly, improving their development workflow. For instance, during code reviews, hooks can automatically check for style issues or run tests, ensuring that only high-quality code is merged into the main branch.

Key Advantages of Prek

✅

Speed
Faster hook execution saves time.

✅

Simplicity
Single binary reduces complexity.

✅

No Dependencies
Eliminates runtime issues.

✅

Real-World Adoption
Used in CPython and Apache Airflow.

✅

Easy Setup
Quick transition for existing users.

Moreover, with Prek’s capability to handle monorepos, CPython developers can manage multiple sub-projects more efficiently. This is crucial because the Python ecosystem includes various libraries and tools that need to work seamlessly together.

Example 2: Apache Airflow

Apache Airflow, a platform to programmatically author, schedule, and monitor workflows, has also integrated Prek. This integration enhances its hooks management, ensuring that developers can focus more on coding rather than configuration. By using Prek, teams have reported smoother operations and fewer integration issues, as Prek's streamlined setup reduces potential points of failure.

For instance, Airflow users can set up hooks that validate DAGs (Directed Acyclic Graphs) before deployment. This ensures that only validated workflows are executed, reducing errors in production environments. The speed at which these hooks run can lead to more frequent deployments and quicker iteration cycles.

Both examples illustrate how Prek can enhance productivity and maintain code quality in large projects. They showcase Prek’s ability to integrate into existing workflows while providing improved performance.

Limitations and Future Prospects

While Prek is a robust tool, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations. Currently, some languages do not have full drop-in compatibility with pre-commit. You can check the Language Support page for the latest updates. This page is crucial for developers who rely on specific languages that may not yet be supported.

As of now, certain hooks written in less common languages may not function as expected. However, the Prek team is actively working on expanding language support, and contributions from the community are encouraged. If you're a developer familiar with a language that is not yet supported, consider contributing to the project or suggesting enhancements.

Additionally, as Prek continues to evolve, more features are expected to be added. This growth could make Prek an even more attractive option for developers in the near future. Developers are encouraged to follow the project on GitHub to stay updated on new releases and features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prek offers a compelling alternative to pre-commit hooks with its unique features and benefits. Built in Rust, it focuses on speed, efficiency, and ease of use. Whether you’re managing a large codebase or working on small projects, Prek could be the tool you need.

If you’re looking to enhance your development workflow, try Prek today! You’ll likely find it a valuable addition to your toolkit. For those interested in diving deeper, check out the official Prek GitHub repository for more information and updates.

Furthermore, if you are looking for additional tools to enhance your workflow you can take a look at some of our most popular tools on our home page.

In summary, the transition to Prek not only simplifies your development setup but also accelerates your workflow. By leveraging its features, you can ensure that your projects maintain a high standard of quality while reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.