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Handlebars.js vs Smarty: What are the differences?
Introduction
In this Markdown code, we will discuss the key differences between Handlebars.js and Smarty. Both are popular template engines used in web development. Handlebars.js is a templating language used for creating dynamic HTML templates, while Smarty is a template engine for PHP.
Usage: Handlebars.js is primarily used in JavaScript environments, such as Node.js or any client-side JavaScript application. In contrast, Smarty is specifically designed for use with PHP, making it tightly integrated with the language and its syntax.
Syntax: Handlebars.js uses a simple and intuitive syntax that is easy to learn and understand. It uses double curly braces {{}} to denote expressions and helpers. On the other hand, Smarty has its own syntax that is more similar to traditional PHP syntax with special tags and variables enclosed in curly braces {}.
Features: Handlebars.js offers a minimalistic approach with limited features. It focuses on providing a lightweight and efficient way to handle templates. In contrast, Smarty provides a wide range of features, including caching, template inheritance, plugins, and more. It is more feature-rich and adaptable to complex projects.
Learning Curve: Handlebars.js has a relatively low learning curve due to its simple syntax and fewer features. It is easy to get started with and understand. Smarty, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve as it requires familiarity with PHP syntax and its own template tags.
Community Support: Handlebars.js has a large and active community of developers, providing extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums for support. It is widely adopted and has a wealth of resources available. Smarty also has a supportive community, but it is relatively smaller compared to Handlebars.js.
Popularity: Handlebars.js is widely used in the JavaScript and web development community, being included in popular frameworks like Ember.js and Backbone.js. It is known for its simplicity and compatibility across various frameworks and environments. Smarty, on the other hand, is more focused on PHP development and is not as widely used or popular in the broader web development ecosystem.
In Summary, Handlebars.js and Smarty differ in usage, syntax, features, learning curve, community support, and popularity.
@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
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