Minification makes JavaScript files smaller by removing whitespace and shortening function and variable names. Smaller files use less bandwidth and reach the client faster, but names such as `x1` make debugging harder. Source maps link minified code to developer-readable source in the browser’s developer tools. section 26.4.1
A `.min.js` filename denotes a minified file. In an ASP.NET Core Razor layout, `asp-src-include` selects files; it does not minify them. Narrow the pattern rather than including every JavaScript file in a package, which may load both minified and unminified versions or multiple feature variants. section 26.4.1
Listing 26.12 Excluding files in the _SimpleLayout.cshtml file in the Views/Shared folder
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>@ViewBag.Title</title>
<link href="/lib/bootstrap/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet" />
<script asp-src-include="/lib/jquery/**/*.min.js"
asp-src-exclude="**.slim.**">
</script>
</head>
<body>
<div class="m-2">
@RenderBody()
</div>
</body>
</html>
The layout includes minified jQuery files and excludes the slim variant, leaving the full minified file. section 26.4.1
