Breaking Free from Blogging Constraints: How I Found My Perfect Match with Eleventy
As a blogger, I’ve experienced the frustration of feeling trapped by my website’s limitations. I’ve jumped from platform to platform, searching for the perfect balance of design, content control, and ease of use. My journey took me from WordPress to Posterous, and eventually, to SquareSpace. But each move left me wanting more.
The Epiphany: Embracing the Jamstack Movement
It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the Jamstack movement that I realized the error of my ways. Why were websites still relying on databases and dynamic content when static sites could offer so much more? The concept resonated deeply, and I began exploring the world of static site generators (SSGs).
Enter Eleventy: A Game-Changer in the SSG Landscape
Among the numerous SSGs, Eleventy (11ty) caught my attention. This JavaScript-based generator converts templates into HTML during the build process, offering a level of flexibility and control that I had been craving. What sets 11ty apart is its ability to support various templating engines, including HTML, Markdown, Liquid, Nunjucks, and more.
Developer-Friendly and Flexible
Eleventy’s creator, Zach Leatherman, emphasizes the importance of decoupling content from the generator itself. This approach allows developers to work with their preferred templating engines, making 11ty an attractive choice for those seeking flexibility.
Getting Started with Eleventy: A Seamless Experience
I was impressed by the ease of setting up 11ty. The official documentation is a joy to read, and the starter packs make it easy to get started. With a few simple commands, I had a bare-bones blog up and running in under five minutes.
Creating a Blog Post with Eleventy: A Breeze
Adding a new blog post is a straightforward process. Simply duplicate an existing post, update the metadata, and add your content. The hot-reloading local web server ensures that your changes are reflected instantly.
Customizing Your Blog: Endless Possibilities
With 11ty, the possibilities for customization are endless. I added a reading time plugin, tweaked the CSS to center-align my website, and updated the Nunjucks code to display more posts on the homepage. The community-driven nature of Eleventy means that there are plenty of resources available to help you achieve your desired design and functionality.
The Verdict: Eleventy Is the Perfect Match for Me
After designing my blog with Eleventy and hosting it on Netlify, I knew I had found my perfect match. If you’re looking for an SSG that offers flexibility, simplicity, and speed, I highly recommend giving 11ty a try.
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