Docsify vs. Eleventy

What is Docsify?

Docsify is a documentation site generator that works by rendering Markdown files in the browser.

Unlike traditional static site generators, docsify doesn’t pre-generate static HTML files. Instead, it loads and renders content dynamically using JavaScript. This makes it incredibly lightweight and super easy to maintain, no need to rebuild the site every time you make a change.

Key Features of Docsify

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• No Static Files: No need to pre-generate pages it renders them dynamically.
• Lightweight: The core library is tiny its just a single JavaScript file.
• Simple Navigation: Automatically generates sidebars and navigation.
• Extensible with Plugins: Add features like pagination, copy-to-clipboard, or Google Analytics.
• Markdown-Based: Write your docs in Markdown for simplicity.
• Customisable Themes: Adjust the look and feel with ease.
• Search Support: Built-in search functionality.

Advantages of Docsify

• Great for Small Projects: Perfect for simple documentation sites or project wikis.
• Super Easy Setup: No build step needed just drop a few files into your project.
• Light and Fast: No bulky dependencies, just pure simplicity here.
• Instant Updates: Changes reflect instantly without rebuilding the site.
• Minimal Learning Curve: If you know Markdown, you’re already halfway there.

Disadvantages of Docsify

• JavaScript Dependency: Requires JavaScript to render content, so it won’t work well in environments where JavaScript is disabled.
• Limited Scalability: Best for smaller documentation projects.
• No Static Files: Not ideal for SEO, as content is rendered client-side.

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.