Eleventy (or 11ty) is a static site generator that allows developers to build static websites from various template languages. It is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and support for multiple templating engines. Here's a brief tour of Eleventy:
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Installation:
- You can install Eleventy using npm (Node Package Manager).
- Open your terminal and run:
npm install -g @11ty/eleventy
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Project Setup:
- Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it.
- Run the following command to initiate a new Eleventy project:
npx eleventy
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Configuration:
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Eleventy allows you to configure your project using a
.eleventy.js
configuration file. - You can customize settings such as input and output directories, templating engines, and more.
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Eleventy allows you to configure your project using a
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Content Organization:
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Organize your content in the input directory (default is
_src
). - Common file types include Markdown, HTML, and template files (e.g., Nunjucks, Handlebars).
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Organize your content in the input directory (default is
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Template Engines:
- Eleventy supports various templating engines like Nunjucks, Liquid, Handlebars, and more.
- Choose your preferred engine and create templates for your pages.
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Data Files:
- You can use data files (JavaScript, JSON, YAML) to provide data to your templates.
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Data files can be placed in the
_data
directory.
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Layouts:
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Define reusable layouts for your site in the
_includes/layouts
directory. - Templates can extend or include these layouts.
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Define reusable layouts for your site in the
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Collections:
- Eleventy allows you to create collections of content.
- Collections are useful for grouping related content, such as blog posts or projects.
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Pagination:
- Implement pagination easily for long lists of content using Eleventy's built-in pagination features.
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Markdown and HTML Processing:
- Eleventy automatically processes Markdown and HTML files.
- You can include front matter in your Markdown files for metadata.
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Command-Line Usage:
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Build your site by running:
npx eleventy
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Serve your site locally for development:
npx eleventy --serve
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Build your site by running:
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Output:
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The output is generated in the
_site
directory by default (configurable). - This directory contains the static HTML files ready for deployment.
-
The output is generated in the
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Deployment:
- Deploy your static site to any hosting service (Netlify, GitHub Pages, Vercel, etc.).
- Since it generates static files, hosting is simple and can be done on various platforms.
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Community and Documentation:
- Eleventy has an active community, and its documentation is comprehensive.
- You can find additional plugins and resources on the official website and GitHub repository.
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Extensibility:
- Eleventy is extensible, and you can use plugins to enhance its functionality.
- Developers often contribute plugins to the Eleventy ecosystem.
Eleventy is a versatile static site generator suitable for various types of projects. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a popular choice for developers who prefer a minimal setup with the freedom to choose their preferred tools and workflows.