Dynamic

Freemarker vs Thymeleaf

Developers should learn Freemarker when building Java web applications that require server-side rendering of dynamic content, such as with Spring MVC or Apache Struts, as it integrates seamlessly and offers a clean separation of concerns meets developers should learn thymeleaf when building server-side rendered web applications with java, especially in spring-based projects, as it provides a clean separation of concerns and supports natural templating. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Freemarker

Developers should learn Freemarker when building Java web applications that require server-side rendering of dynamic content, such as with Spring MVC or Apache Struts, as it integrates seamlessly and offers a clean separation of concerns

Freemarker

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Freemarker when building Java web applications that require server-side rendering of dynamic content, such as with Spring MVC or Apache Struts, as it integrates seamlessly and offers a clean separation of concerns

Pros

  • +It's also useful for generating emails, reports, or configuration files where template-based text generation is needed, providing a lightweight and efficient alternative to JSP for many use cases
  • +Related to: java, spring-mvc

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Thymeleaf

Developers should learn Thymeleaf when building server-side rendered web applications with Java, especially in Spring-based projects, as it provides a clean separation of concerns and supports natural templating

Pros

  • +It is ideal for use cases like generating dynamic HTML content, email templates, or reports where server-side processing is required, and it avoids the need for complex JavaScript frameworks for simple dynamic pages
  • +Related to: spring-framework, java

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Freemarker is a template engine while Thymeleaf is a library. We picked Freemarker based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

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The Bottom Line
Freemarker wins

Based on overall popularity. Freemarker is more widely used, but Thymeleaf excels in its own space.

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev