11ty
Open SourceSimple Static Site Generator without JavaScript framework lock-in
AI Summary
Eleventy is a Static Site Generator that works without JavaScript frameworks and supports various template languages. The tool is particularly fast, respects existing directory structures, and delivers no client-side JavaScript by default. It is suitable for developers who want full control over their markup.
✓ Pros
- +Very fast build times (significantly faster than Astro, Gatsby or Next.js)
- +No vendor lock-in through support for 14+ template languages
- +Zero-config start with flexible extension options
- +No telemetry or tracking, high stability since 2017
✗ Cons
- −Requires JavaScript/Node.js knowledge for advanced configuration
- −Fewer integrated features than all-in-one frameworks like Next.js
Use Cases
- →Creating blogs and content websites without JavaScript overhead
- →Migrating existing projects through support for multiple template languages
- →Performance-optimized documentation sites and landing pages
- →JAMstack projects with custom directory setup
Who is it for?
Developers and tech-savvy content creators who want to build performance-optimized static sites with full markup control and without framework lock-in.
Tags
What is 11ty?
Eleventy (11ty for short) is a static site generator built on Node.js, in active development since 2017. The core principle is radically simple: templates in, HTML out. No JavaScript framework running in the browser, no embedded tracking, no forced project structure. Anyone with a directory of Markdown or Nunjucks files can get started immediately.
Core features
- 14+ template languages at once: Markdown, Nunjucks, Liquid, Handlebars, WebC and others can be mixed within the same project. This makes migrations considerably easier.
- No client-side JavaScript by default: What Eleventy delivers is plain HTML. JavaScript in the browser only appears when you deliberately add it.
- Fast build times: In direct comparisons with Astro, Gatsby or Next.js, Eleventy builds large sites noticeably faster.
- Flexible directory structure: Eleventy imposes no folder names. Existing projects can be brought in without reorganising files.
- Zero-config start with extensibility: A single configuration file is enough to get going. Plugins and custom filters allow deep customisation when needed.
Who is 11ty for?
Blogs, documentation sites and landing pages where performance budgets matter and JavaScript framework overhead is unwanted. Developers migrating from Jekyll, Hugo or another generator benefit especially from the template flexibility.
Anyone who needs advanced configuration, such as complex data pipelines or custom shortcodes, must bring JavaScript knowledge. Without Node.js experience, the .eleventy.js configuration file is where things quickly hit a wall.
Context & alternatives
In the JAMstack space, 11ty occupies the niche of framework-agnostic generators. Hugo is faster when building large sites and requires no Node.js. Astro follows a similar output philosophy (no unnecessary JS) but integrates component islands and has a steeper setup curve. Next.js and Gatsby offer significantly more built-in features, but require React knowledge and produce client-side JavaScript by default.
For HTML output without framework coupling, with support for multiple template languages under one roof, 11ty is the most direct option.
