@babel/plugin-transform-spread converts spread syntax for iterables (like arrays and strings) into ES5-compatible code. It replaces the spread operator (...) used within array literals or function calls with equivalent loops and Array.prototype.push or Function.prototype.apply methods. Effectively polyfilling this feature for older JavaScript environments where spread syntax is not natively supported. It helps ensure code compatibility across a wider range of browsers and Node.js versions.
The @babel/plugin-transform-spread npm package has had intermittent releases since August 2018. Releases were sparse in 2019-2020, becoming more consistent in 2021 and 2022. 2023 and 2024 had sporadic releases, and 2025 only saw a release in April. There have been no releases in the last four months (May-August) of 2025.
@babel/plugin-transform-spread downloads show strong growth, starting at 65 million in March 2024 and peaking at nearly 140 million in June 2025. Monthly downloads generally hover around 100-115 million, with noticeable increases mid-2025. September 2025 downloads are significantly lower, likely reflecting incomplete data for the current month.
