JavaScript html templating engine libraries

JavaScript HTML templating engine libraries generate markup by combining logic with HTML templates. These libraries allow developers to separate the presentation layer from the data. It makes it easier to manage and manipulate the user interface of web applications.  

Developers can control the rendering of HTML elements based on certain conditions. It will provide you with conditional statements or directives by these Templating engines. Looping over collections or arrays of data is supported by Templating engines. It allows developers to generate HTML elements based on the data. Templating engines enable data binding. It binds data to the placeholders within the templates. Many templating engines use JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js. Using these libraries, developers can create reusable, maintainable, and scalable UI components.  

Here are the best libraries organized by use cases. The best libraries are Handlebars.js, Mustache.js, EJS, Nunjucks, Vue.js, Pug, and Underscore.js. A detailed review of each library follows.  

Let's look at each library in detail. The links allow you to access package commands, installation notes, and code snippets.  

handlebars.js  

• Handlebars.js uses a mustache-like syntax with double curly braces {{}}. It denotes placeholders or variables within the HTML templates.  
• Handlebars.js supports data binding. It allows you to bind data from objects to the handlebars within the templates.  
• Handlebars.js can be used both on the client side (in web browsers) and the server side (with Node.js).  
• Handlebars.js provides the {{#each}} directive to iterate over arrays or data collections.  

mustache.js  

• Mustache.js is a popular JavaScript templating library. It provides a minimalistic and logic-less approach to generating dynamic HTML.  
• Mustache.js uses double curly braces {{}} to indicate placeholders within the template.  
• It allows you to bind data from variables to the placeholders within the templates.  
• It allows you to insert variables into the template. You can do so by enclosing them within double curly braces. 

ejs

• EJS uses a simple and intuitive syntax. It helps in embedding JavaScript code within HTML templates.  
• EJS supports data binding. It allows you to bind data from JavaScript objects or variables to the template.  
• It supports looping over arrays or data collections using FOR or for-in loops.  
• EJS can be used both on the client side (in web browsers) and the server side (with Node.js). 

nunjucks  

• Nunjucks uses a concise and intuitive template syntax that is easy to read and write.  
• Nunjucks supports control flow statements such as if-else, for-in, and while loops.  
• Nunjucks provides various built-in filters. It allows you to transform and manipulate data within the templates.  
• Nunjucks has built-in support for internationalization (i18n) through the get-text mechanism.  

vuex 

• Vue.js is a popular open-source JavaScript library used for building user interfaces.  
• It promotes a component-based architecture where UI elements are encapsulated into reusable components.  
• Vue.js uses an HTML-based template syntax that allows developers to render the UI.  
• Vue.js provides a set of built-in directives. It enables developers to manipulate the DOM.  

jade4j

• Pug uses a compact and indentation-based syntax. It reduces the amount of markup required compared to traditional HTML templates.  
• Pug supports mixins, reusable blocks of code that can be included in many templates.  
• Pug supports template inheritance. It allows you to create base templates with shared layouts and functionality.  
• Pug includes filters. It allows you to transform text or include external content within your templates. 

underscore-java

• Underscore.js provides a rich set of functions for working with arrays and objects.  
• Underscore.js provides a variety of general-purpose utility functions that help common tasks.  
• Underscore.js includes a powerful template engine. It allows you to embed JavaScript logic within HTML templates.  
• Underscore.js supports method chaining or "fluent" or "cascading" syntax.  

FAQ:  

1. What is a templating engine? What are some of the popular JavaScript templating libraries?  

A templating engine is a software component. It helps generate dynamic HTML content by combining static template markup with data. Some of the most popular JavaScript templating libraries are:  

• Mustache.js  
• Handlebars.js  
• Underscore.js  
• EJS (Embedded JavaScript)  
• Pug (formerly Jade)  
• Nunjucks  

2. What features should be considered for a full-featured templating engine?  

There are features to consider when looking for a full-featured templating engine. Here are key features you should keep in mind:  

• Syntax  
• Expressiveness  
• Templating Language  
• Template Inheritance  
• Layout and Composition  
• Data Manipulation  
• Error Handling and Debugging  

3. How do data binding methods work in conjunction with templating engines?  

Data binding methods and templating engines work together to create dynamic web applications. Let's break down how they interact:  

• Templating Engines  
• Data Binding  
• Connecting Templating Engines with Data Binding  

 a. Define Templates  

 b. Compile Templates  

 c. Data Model Setup  

 d. Bind Data to Templates  

 e. rendering 

 f. Dynamic Updates  

4. What advantages does the Mustache Templating Language have over other languages?  

Mustache is a templating language that emphasizes simplicity, readability, and portability. While it may not provide as advanced features as some other templating languages. It has advantages that make it a choice in certain scenarios:  

• Simplicity  
• Portability  
• Logic-less  
• Maintainability  
• Compatibility  

5. What types of server-side templating can be done with JavaScript templates?  

JavaScript templates are versatile tools that allow server-side rendering of dynamic content. We can do several types of server-side templating. 

Using JavaScript templates:  

• EJS (Embedded JavaScript)  
• Handlebars  
• Pug (formerly Jade)  
• Nunjucks