Eleventy vs. Jekyll

What is Eleventy ?

Eleventy is a static site generator that takes your content whether it’s Markdown, HTML, or other template languages and compiles it into static HTML files.

Unlike some other SSGs, Eleventy doesn’t lock you into a specific front-end framework, giving you the freedom to structure your project however you like. It’s designed to be simple, flexible, and fast, making it a favorite among web developers who appreciate minimalism.

Key Features of Eleventy

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• Community Support: Growing community with tons of plugins and resources.
• Great for SEO: Generates static HTML, making your site search engine-friendly.
• Multiple Template Languages: Supports Markdown, Nunjucks, Liquid, Pug, and more.
• Fast Builds: Optimized for performance with lightning-fast build times.
• Simple Configuration: No complex setup — just a simple .eleventy.js config file.
• Flexible Data Handling: Use front matter, JSON, or JavaScript to handle data.
• No JavaScript Framework Required: Works with plain HTML and CSS if you prefer.

Advantages of Eleventy

• Lightweight: No heavy dependencies or boilerplate code.
• Fast and SEO-Friendly: Static HTML means quick load times and great SEO.
• Simplicity: No need to overthink just build.
• Ideal for Content-Driven Sites: Perfect for blogs, portfolios, and documentation.
• Flexible Content: Use different templating languages in one project.

Disadvantages of Eleventy

• Limited Out-of-the-Box Features: Requires plugins for things like image optimisation or RSS feeds.
• Minimal Abstractions: No built-in state management — you handle everything yourself.
• Learning Curve: Understanding its flexibility takes a bit of time.

What is Jekyll?

Jekyll is an open-source static site generator built with Ruby. It takes your text files (written in Markdown), processes them through templates, and generates a static website that you can deploy anywhere.

No databases, no server-side scripting it just pure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s super popular among developers, especially for creating personal blogs and documentation sites.

Key Features of Jekyll

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• Plugins: Extend functionality with a rich plugin ecosystem.
• Collections: Organize content beyond just posts and pages.
• Liquid Templating: Use Liquid, a simple templating language, to customize your site.
• GitHub Pages Integration: Seamless deployment on GitHub Pages.
• Markdown Support: Write content in Markdown, and Jekyll handles the rest.
• Front Matter: Easily add metadata like titles, tags, and layout options.

Advantages of Jekyll

• Highly Customizable: Tweak layouts, templates, and styles to make the site your own.
• Active Community: Tons of tutorials, plugins, and themes to explore.
• Simplicity: No database, no backend — just Markdown and templates.
• GitHub Pages Friendly: Direct integration with GitHub Pages means free hosting and automatic deployment.
• Perfect for Blogs: Designed with blogging in mind, making it easy to manage posts.

Disadvantages of Jekyll

• Build Times: For very large websites, build times can get a bit slow compared to newer tools.
• Limited Dynamic Content: Since it’s static, things like user authentication or live updates need extra work.
• Requires Ruby: You’ll need Ruby installed on your system, which can be a hurdle for some.