Astro 5.17 adds async parsing, partitioned cookies, dev toolbar placement & image controls

Astro 5.17 has arrived with several updates for developers building content-driven websites using this JavaScript web framework. Teams working with the dev toolbar can now set a project-wide placement configuration. This ensures that the tool’s position remains consistent across users and development environments.

In terms of data workflows, the parser() option in the file() loader now handles asynchronous functions, expanding the range of data processing patterns available. The glob() loader receives a retainBody option, which reduces data store size for sites working with large content collections.

When it comes to privacy, Astro.cookies.set() adds a partitioned option. This allows cookies to be set as partitioned, giving better control over privacy, especially when embedding content from third parties.

Following these improvements, image handling features expand with a new background property for image transformations. This permits developers to define fallback background colors for images converted to formats that do not support transparency. The Sharp image service now lets users choose the resize kernel algorithm, offering enhanced control over image quality.

Astro 5.17 also delivers several bug fixes, providing additional stability for ongoing development.