Template Engine vs Static Site Generator

Developers should learn and use template engines when building dynamic web applications, such as with server-side frameworks like Django, Express meets developers should use a static site generator when building fast, secure, and scalable websites with predictable content, as it eliminates server-side rendering overhead and reduces vulnerabilities compared to dynamic sites. Here's our take.

Template Engine

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use template engines when building dynamic web applications, such as with server-side frameworks like Django, Express

Pros

• js, or Spring, to generate HTML content efficiently and securely
• Related to: html, server-side-rendering

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Static Site Generator

Developers should use a Static Site Generator when building fast, secure, and scalable websites with predictable content, as it eliminates server-side rendering overhead and reduces vulnerabilities compared to dynamic sites

Pros

• It's ideal for projects like blogs, documentation, or landing pages where performance and simplicity are priorities, and it integrates well with modern workflows using version control and headless CMSs
• Related to: jamstack, markdown

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Template Engine if: You want js, or spring, to generate html content efficiently and securely and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Static Site Generator if: You prioritize it's ideal for projects like blogs, documentation, or landing pages where performance and simplicity are priorities, and it integrates well with modern workflows using version control and headless cmss over what Template Engine offers.

The Bottom Line

Template Engine wins

Developers should learn and use template engines when building dynamic web applications, such as with server-side frameworks like Django, Express