What does vendor mean in web file structure?

Question

Every now and then I see vendor being used in a directory structure on web apps.

Like this:

<script src="js/vendor/modernizr-2.6.2.min.js"></script>

What does this mean? Why do people use it?

More importantly, should I use it? I make web apps using php and javascript.

It is used to denote third party plugins... – Orangepill May 31 '13 at 21:07 — Orangepill, May 31 '13 at 21:07

score 94 · Accepted Answer · answered May 31 '13 at 21:08

94

It's a common convention to put files coming from various third party sources (the "vendors") in a folder named that way.

You can use it as it makes it clearer what's "from the project" and what is a dependency you rely upon, but it is merely a convention, not an obligation.

answered May 31 '13 at 21:08

Lepidosteus

11,779
4
39
51

2

I know @Steve was right first, but I'm marking this as the answer as it's concise. – Ben Harvey Jun 04 '13 at 20:18

score 34 · Answer 2 · answered May 31 '13 at 21:07

34

/vendor usually refers to a directory that contains third party plugins.

answered May 31 '13 at 21:07

Steve

8,609
6
40
54

score 6 · Answer 3 · answered May 31 '13 at 21:07

6

Most if the time, there are 3rd party libs stored and commonly it's ignored in VCS.

answered May 31 '13 at 21:07

Emii Khaos

9,983
3
34
57

What does vendor mean in web file structure?

3 Answers3