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Handlebars.js vs Pug: What are the differences?
Handlebars.js and Pug are both popular template engines used in web development. Let's explore the key differences between them.
Syntax: One of the main differences between Handlebars.js and Pug is the syntax they use. Handlebars.js follows a logic-less syntax with double curly braces {{}} to denote variables and expressions. On the other hand, Pug uses indentation-based syntax with significant whitespace, which makes it more compact and visually appealing.
Complexity: Handlebars.js is relatively simpler to learn and use as compared to Pug. It has a straightforward syntax and does not involve complex concepts like mixins or filters. In contrast, Pug has a steeper learning curve and may require more effort to master due to its advanced features and unique syntax.
Extensibility: Handlebars.js provides a range of helper functions and allows developers to create custom helpers for more complex requirements. It offers a flexible environment for extending functionality. Pug, on the other hand, has a limited set of built-in features and fewer extensibility options, making it less suitable for complex applications.
Whitespace handling: Handlebars.js preserves all the whitespaces within the template, which makes it more suitable for preserving the original formatting of the HTML code. In comparison, Pug automatically removes unnecessary whitespace by default, resulting in a more compact output.
Conditional statements: Handlebars.js provides support for conditional statements using {{#if}} and {{#else}} constructs. It allows developers to control the rendering of different parts of the template based on conditions. Pug also offers conditional statements but with a different syntax using indentation and hyphens, which may take some time to get used to for developers familiar with Handlebars.js.
Error handling: Handlebars.js provides meaningful error messages and detailed stack traces when encountering syntax errors or runtime issues, making it easier to debug and troubleshoot. On the other hand, Pug's error messages can sometimes be less clear and may require more effort to identify and rectify issues.
In summary, Handlebars.js focuses on simplicity and logic-less templates, while Pug (formerly Jade) offers a concise and expressive syntax with significant whitespace, allowing for more streamlined HTML markup in templates.
@All: I am searching for the best template engine for .NET. I started looking into several template engines, including the Dotliquid, Handlebars.js, Scriban, and Razorlight. I found handlebar a bit difficult to use when using the loops and condition because you need to register for helper first. DotLiquid and Scriban were easy to use and in Razorlight I did not find the example for loops.
Can you please suggest which template engine is best suited for the use of conditional/list and looping and why? Or if anybody could provide me a resource or link where I can compare which is best?
Thanks In Advance
I like Handlebars, it's very mature... some would say-- outdated.
Handlebars loops are done via {{#each myList}}. Read the docs! https://handlebarsjs.com/guide
Remember, don't put logic in your templates! Keep this layer simple. Sorry to hear you have to use dotNet.
Pros of Handlebars.js
- Simple106
- Great templating language77
- Open source50
- Logicless36
- Integrates well into any codebase20
- Easy to create helper methods for complex scenarios10
- Created by Yehuda Katz7
- Easy For Fornt End Developers,learn backend2
- Awesome1
Pros of Pug
- Elegant html138
- Great with nodejs90
- Open source59
- Very short syntax59
- Structured with indentation54
- Free25
- Really similar to Slim (from Ruby fame)6
- It's not HAML6
- Gulp6
- Clean syntax5
- Readable code5
- Easy setup5
- Difficult For Front End Developers,learn backend5
- Disdain for angled brackets4