title: Do I need webpack-dev-server if I am using a node server like express
body: <p>I am following some tutorials to build an isomorphic app with express and react. I am confusing with the webpack-dev-server.</p>
  
  <p>The webpack tutorial says about the webpack-dev-server:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>This binds a small express server on localhost:8080 which serves your static assets as well as the bundle (compiled automatically).</p>
    
    <p>It automatically updates the browser page when a bundle is recompiled (socket.io). Open <a href="http://localhost:8080/webpack-dev-server/bundle" rel="noreferrer">http://localhost:8080/webpack-dev-server/bundle</a> in your browser.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Since I have express server, do I really need webpack-dev-server? Or what's the advantages and disadvantages of using it? And if I want to use react-hot-loader, is the webpack-dev-server necessary?</p>