handlebars vs ejs vs mustache vs pug vs nunjucks vs jade
Template Engines for Node.js
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Template Engines for Node.js

Template engines are libraries that allow developers to generate HTML dynamically by embedding JavaScript code within HTML. They help separate the presentation layer from the business logic, making it easier to maintain and develop web applications. Each template engine has its own syntax and features, catering to different needs and preferences in web development.

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handlebars23,822,55418,4952.78 MB1112 years agoMIT
ejs21,755,8448,045143 kB1162 years agoApache-2.0
mustache8,321,42916,693-1155 years agoMIT
pug1,886,049-59.7 kB-a year agoMIT
nunjucks1,448,5078,8251.77 MB3463 years agoBSD-2-Clause
jade528,72721,838-32710 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: handlebars vs ejs vs mustache vs pug vs nunjucks vs jade

Syntax

  • handlebars:

    Handlebars uses a Handlebars-specific syntax with curly braces for variable interpolation and block helpers for control flow. It promotes a logic-less approach, keeping templates clean and focused on presentation.

  • ejs:

    EJS uses plain HTML with embedded JavaScript code, making it easy to learn for those familiar with HTML and JavaScript. It allows for simple variable interpolation and control flow statements.

  • mustache:

    Mustache employs a simple syntax with double curly braces for variable interpolation and does not allow for logic in templates, promoting a clean separation of logic and presentation.

  • pug:

    Pug uses a unique indentation-based syntax that prioritizes brevity and readability. It allows for mixins and includes, making it versatile for larger projects.

  • nunjucks:

    Nunjucks uses a syntax similar to Jinja2, with curly braces for variables and tags for control flow. It supports template inheritance, making it powerful for complex applications.

  • jade:

    Jade (Pug) utilizes indentation-based syntax, which eliminates the need for closing tags and reduces boilerplate code. This can lead to more readable templates but may have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with it.

Performance

  • handlebars:

    Handlebars is optimized for performance, especially with precompiled templates, which can significantly reduce rendering time in production.

  • ejs:

    EJS is generally fast due to its straightforward rendering process. However, performance can degrade with complex logic embedded in templates.

  • mustache:

    Mustache is lightweight and fast, with minimal overhead, making it suitable for applications that require quick rendering without complex features.

  • pug:

    Pug is optimized for speed, with a focus on reducing the amount of HTML generated, which can lead to faster rendering times.

  • nunjucks:

    Nunjucks offers good performance, especially with caching and precompiled templates, but may be slower than simpler engines due to its feature set.

  • jade:

    Pug is designed for high performance, with a focus on minimizing the amount of code processed during rendering, making it suitable for large applications.

Features

  • handlebars:

    Handlebars supports helpers, partials, and built-in logic-less templates, making it powerful for reusable components and cleaner code.

  • ejs:

    EJS supports partials, includes, and simple control flow, making it versatile for many applications, but lacks advanced features like template inheritance.

  • mustache:

    Mustache is intentionally minimal, focusing on variable interpolation and simple templates without additional features, making it easy to use but limiting for complex scenarios.

  • pug:

    Pug supports mixins, includes, and a variety of features that enhance code reuse and maintainability, making it a strong choice for larger applications.

  • nunjucks:

    Nunjucks supports template inheritance, asynchronous rendering, and custom filters, making it suitable for complex applications that require advanced templating capabilities.

  • jade:

    Pug supports mixins, includes, and template inheritance, allowing for modular design and code reuse, which is beneficial for larger projects.

Community and Ecosystem

  • handlebars:

    Handlebars has a robust ecosystem with many available helpers and extensions, making it easy to find solutions and community support.

  • ejs:

    EJS has a strong community and is widely used in many Node.js applications, ensuring good support and resources.

  • mustache:

    Mustache is widely adopted across different languages, ensuring a broad community and resources, though it may not have as many Node.js-specific resources.

  • pug:

    Pug has a vibrant community and extensive documentation, providing ample resources for developers.

  • nunjucks:

    Nunjucks has a growing community, with good documentation and support, especially for more complex templating needs.

  • jade:

    Pug has a dedicated community, but its unique syntax may lead to a smaller pool of resources compared to more traditional engines.

Learning Curve

  • handlebars:

    Handlebars is relatively easy to learn, especially for those who appreciate a logic-less approach, but may require some time to master its advanced features.

  • ejs:

    EJS has a gentle learning curve, especially for developers familiar with HTML and JavaScript, making it easy to get started quickly.

  • mustache:

    Mustache is very easy to learn due to its minimal syntax, making it a great choice for beginners or those needing a quick solution.

  • pug:

    Pug has a steeper learning curve due to its unique syntax, but it rewards users with cleaner and more concise templates.

  • nunjucks:

    Nunjucks has a moderate learning curve, especially for those unfamiliar with its syntax and features, but offers powerful capabilities once mastered.

  • jade:

    Pug's indentation-based syntax can be challenging for beginners, but once learned, it can significantly speed up template writing.

How to Choose: handlebars vs ejs vs mustache vs pug vs nunjucks vs jade
  • handlebars:

    Choose Handlebars if you want a more powerful templating engine that supports logic-less templates, allowing for cleaner separation of HTML and JavaScript. It is ideal for projects that require reusable templates and helpers.

  • ejs:

    Choose EJS if you need a simple and straightforward templating solution that allows you to embed JavaScript directly into your HTML. It is particularly useful for projects that require minimal overhead and quick rendering.

  • mustache:

    Choose Mustache if you need a logic-less templating solution that can be used across different programming languages. It is best for projects that prioritize simplicity and portability.

  • pug:

    Choose Pug if you want a high-performance templating engine with a focus on clean syntax and fast rendering. It is perfect for projects that need a balance between performance and expressiveness.

  • nunjucks:

    Choose Nunjucks if you require a feature-rich templating engine with powerful features like template inheritance and asynchronous rendering. It is great for complex applications that need a lot of flexibility.

  • jade:

    Choose Jade (now known as Pug) if you prefer a clean and concise syntax that reduces the amount of HTML you write. It is suitable for developers who want to write less code while maintaining readability.

Similar Npm Packages to handlebars

handlebars is a popular templating engine for JavaScript that allows developers to create dynamic HTML content by combining templates with data. It provides a simple syntax for defining templates and supports features like helpers, partials, and block expressions, making it a powerful tool for rendering HTML on the server or client side. While Handlebars is widely used, there are several alternatives that also offer templating capabilities. Here are a few notable ones:

  • ejs (Embedded JavaScript) is a simple templating engine that lets you generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. EJS allows you to embed JavaScript logic directly within your templates, making it easy to create dynamic content. Its syntax is straightforward and familiar to those who are comfortable with JavaScript, making it a popular choice for developers looking for a lightweight solution for server-side rendering in Node.js applications.

  • mustache is a logic-less templating engine that emphasizes simplicity and readability. It uses a minimal syntax, where templates are defined with placeholders that are replaced with actual data. Mustache is designed to be language-agnostic, meaning it can be used in various programming environments, not just JavaScript. Its lack of logic in templates encourages a clean separation between logic and presentation, making it a good choice for projects that prioritize maintainability.

  • pug (formerly known as Jade) is a high-performance templating engine that uses a unique indentation-based syntax to create HTML. Pug allows for cleaner and more concise templates by eliminating the need for closing tags and reducing boilerplate code. It supports features like mixins, inheritance, and conditionals, making it suitable for complex applications. Pug is particularly favored in projects where readability and maintainability of templates are crucial.

To see how Handlebars compares with EJS, Mustache, and Pug, check out the comparison: Comparing ejs vs handlebars vs mustache vs pug.

Similar Npm Packages to ejs

ejs (Embedded JavaScript) is a templating engine for Node.js that allows developers to generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. It provides a simple syntax for embedding JavaScript code within HTML, making it easy to create dynamic web pages. EJS is known for its speed and simplicity, making it a popular choice for rendering views in web applications. However, there are several alternatives to EJS that offer different features and capabilities. Here are a few notable ones:

  • handlebars is a powerful templating engine that extends the capabilities of Mustache templates. It provides a more expressive syntax and allows for the creation of reusable templates with helper functions. Handlebars is particularly useful for projects that require more complex templating logic, as it supports features like conditionals, loops, and custom helpers. If you need a templating engine that balances simplicity with powerful features, Handlebars is a great option.

  • nunjucks is a full-featured templating engine inspired by Jinja2 (a popular templating engine for Python). It offers a rich set of features, including template inheritance, asynchronous control, and powerful filters. Nunjucks is well-suited for applications that require advanced templating capabilities and is particularly useful for projects that need to render templates on both the server and client sides. If you are looking for a versatile templating engine that can handle complex scenarios, Nunjucks is worth considering.

  • pug (formerly known as Jade) is a high-performance templating engine that uses a unique indentation-based syntax, which eliminates the need for closing tags in HTML. Pug allows for cleaner and more concise templates, making it easier to read and maintain. It also supports features like mixins and template inheritance. If you prefer a more minimalistic syntax and want to reduce the amount of boilerplate code in your templates, Pug is an excellent choice.

For a detailed comparison of these templating engines, check out the link: Comparing ejs vs handlebars vs nunjucks vs pug.

Similar Npm Packages to mustache

mustache is a logic-less templating engine that enables developers to create dynamic HTML content by embedding variables and expressions within templates. It is designed to be simple and easy to use, making it a popular choice for rendering templates in both client-side and server-side applications. Mustache's syntax is straightforward, allowing for quick integration into various projects without the need for complex logic within the templates.

While Mustache is a solid choice for templating, there are several alternatives in the JavaScript ecosystem that offer different features and capabilities. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • ejs (Embedded JavaScript) is a templating engine that allows you to generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. EJS provides more flexibility than Mustache by allowing you to include JavaScript logic directly within your templates. This makes it suitable for projects where you need to perform more complex operations or manipulate data before rendering it in the view. EJS is widely used in server-side applications, especially with Node.js and Express.

  • handlebars is an extension of Mustache that adds more powerful features, including helpers and the ability to create reusable templates. Handlebars allows for more complex logic and functionality while still maintaining a logic-less philosophy. It is particularly useful for applications that require more advanced templating capabilities, such as partials and custom helpers, making it a popular choice for larger projects.

  • pug (formerly known as Jade) is a high-performance templating engine that uses an indentation-based syntax to create HTML. Pug allows for cleaner and more concise templates compared to traditional HTML, and it supports features like mixins and inheritance. If you prefer a more expressive syntax and are looking for a templating engine that can help reduce the amount of boilerplate code, Pug is an excellent option.

To see how Mustache compares with EJS, Handlebars, and Pug, check out the comparison: Comparing ejs vs handlebars vs mustache vs pug.

Similar Npm Packages to pug

pug is a high-performance template engine for Node.js that allows developers to write HTML in a more concise and readable way. Originally known as Jade, pug uses a clean syntax that eliminates the need for closing tags and allows for easy nesting of elements. This makes it a popular choice for developers looking to create dynamic web pages with minimal boilerplate code. While pug is a powerful templating engine, there are several alternatives available that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • ejs (Embedded JavaScript) is a simple templating engine that allows you to generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. EJS provides a straightforward syntax that is easy to learn, making it a great choice for developers who prefer a more traditional approach to templating. It supports features like partials and includes, allowing for code reuse and modularity. If you are looking for a templating engine that integrates seamlessly with JavaScript and offers flexibility, EJS is a solid option.

  • handlebars is a popular templating engine that extends the capabilities of Mustache templates. Handlebars allows for more complex logic and provides features such as helpers, partials, and custom functions. It emphasizes separation of logic and presentation, making it easier to maintain and scale applications. If you need a templating engine that supports advanced features while keeping your templates clean and readable, Handlebars is an excellent choice.

  • nunjucks is a powerful templating engine created by Mozilla that is inspired by Jinja2. It offers a rich feature set, including template inheritance, asynchronous rendering, and custom filters. Nunjucks is particularly well-suited for applications that require a high degree of flexibility and control over the rendering process. If you're building complex applications that need a robust templating solution, Nunjucks is worth considering.

To see how pug compares with ejs, handlebars, and nunjucks, check out the comparison: Comparing ejs vs handlebars vs nunjucks vs pug.

Similar Npm Packages to nunjucks

nunjucks is a powerful templating engine for JavaScript that is inspired by Jinja2, a popular templating engine for Python. It allows developers to create dynamic HTML pages by embedding JavaScript logic directly within their templates. Nunjucks is particularly useful for server-side rendering and can be integrated seamlessly with various web frameworks. Its syntax is clean and intuitive, making it easy to create reusable templates and manage complex layouts.

While Nunjucks is a robust option, there are several alternatives available in the JavaScript ecosystem that also serve as templating engines. Here are a few noteworthy alternatives:

  • ejs (Embedded JavaScript) is a simple and lightweight templating engine that allows you to generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. EJS is known for its straightforward syntax, making it easy to embed JavaScript code within HTML. It is a great choice for projects that require minimal overhead and a quick setup, especially when you need to render views on the server side.

  • handlebars is a popular templating engine that extends the Mustache templating language. It provides a more powerful way to create dynamic HTML by allowing developers to define templates with expressions and helpers. Handlebars is particularly useful for projects that require logic in the templates, such as conditionals and loops, while still maintaining a clean separation between HTML and JavaScript. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a favorite among developers.

  • pug (formerly known as Jade) is a high-performance templating engine that uses a unique indentation-based syntax to create HTML. Pug emphasizes readability and conciseness, allowing developers to write less code while achieving the same output. It is particularly well-suited for projects where clean and maintainable code is a priority. Pug's ability to create reusable mixins and templates can significantly enhance productivity in larger applications.

To see how Nunjucks compares with EJS, Handlebars, and Pug, check out the comparison: Comparing ejs vs handlebars vs nunjucks vs pug.

Similar Npm Packages to jade

jade is a templating engine for Node.js that allows developers to write HTML in a more concise and readable way. It uses an indentation-based syntax that eliminates the need for closing tags, making the code cleaner and easier to maintain. Jade has been rebranded as Pug, but the original name is still recognized in the community. While Jade (Pug) offers a powerful templating solution, there are several alternatives available that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • ejs (Embedded JavaScript) is a simple templating language that lets you generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. It allows you to embed JavaScript logic directly into your templates, making it a flexible choice for developers who prefer to work with JavaScript syntax. EJS is easy to use and integrates well with various frameworks, making it a popular choice for many Node.js applications.

  • handlebars is a powerful templating engine that builds on the Mustache template language. It provides a more expressive syntax and allows for the creation of reusable templates with helpers and partials. Handlebars is particularly useful for projects that require a clear separation of logic and presentation, as it encourages a more structured approach to templating.

  • mustache is a logic-less templating language that emphasizes simplicity and readability. It uses a straightforward syntax with tags for variables and sections, making it easy to learn and use. Mustache is a good choice for projects that prioritize simplicity and want to avoid complex logic within templates.

  • nunjucks is a powerful templating engine inspired by Jinja2, which is used in Python. It offers a rich feature set, including template inheritance, asynchronous control, and custom filters. Nunjucks is well-suited for applications that require advanced templating capabilities and a more structured approach to rendering HTML.

  • pug is the successor to Jade and retains many of its features while introducing improvements and enhancements. Pug's indentation-based syntax allows for clean and concise HTML generation, making it a popular choice among developers who appreciate its readability and expressiveness.

To see how Jade compares with EJS, Handlebars, Mustache, Nunjucks, and Pug, check out the comparison: Comparing ejs vs handlebars vs jade vs mustache vs nunjucks vs pug.

README for handlebars

CI Build Status jsDelivr Hits npm downloads npm version Bundle size Install size

Handlebars.js

Handlebars.js is an extension to the Mustache templating language created by Chris Wanstrath. Handlebars.js and Mustache are both logicless templating languages that keep the view and the code separated like we all know they should be.

Checkout the official Handlebars docs site at https://handlebarsjs.com/ and the live demo at http://tryhandlebarsjs.com/.

Installing

See our installation documentation.

Usage

In general, the syntax of Handlebars.js templates is a superset of Mustache templates. For basic syntax, check out the Mustache manpage.

Once you have a template, use the Handlebars.compile method to compile the template into a function. The generated function takes a context argument, which will be used to render the template.

var source = "<p>Hello, my name is {{name}}. I am from {{hometown}}. I have " +
             "{{kids.length}} kids:</p>" +
             "<ul>{{#kids}}<li>{{name}} is {{age}}</li>{{/kids}}</ul>";
var template = Handlebars.compile(source);

var data = { "name": "Alan", "hometown": "Somewhere, TX",
             "kids": [{"name": "Jimmy", "age": "12"}, {"name": "Sally", "age": "4"}]};
var result = template(data);

// Would render:
// <p>Hello, my name is Alan. I am from Somewhere, TX. I have 2 kids:</p>
// <ul>
//   <li>Jimmy is 12</li>
//   <li>Sally is 4</li>
// </ul>

Full documentation and more examples are at handlebarsjs.com.

Precompiling Templates

Handlebars allows templates to be precompiled and included as javascript code rather than the handlebars template allowing for faster startup time. Full details are located here.

Differences Between Handlebars.js and Mustache

Handlebars.js adds a couple of additional features to make writing templates easier and also changes a tiny detail of how partials work.

Block expressions have the same syntax as mustache sections but should not be confused with one another. Sections are akin to an implicit each or with statement depending on the input data and helpers are explicit pieces of code that are free to implement whatever behavior they like. The mustache spec defines the exact behavior of sections. In the case of name conflicts, helpers are given priority.

Compatibility

There are a few Mustache behaviors that Handlebars does not implement.

  • Handlebars deviates from Mustache slightly in that it does not perform recursive lookup by default. The compile time compat flag must be set to enable this functionality. Users should note that there is a performance cost for enabling this flag. The exact cost varies by template, but it's recommended that performance sensitive operations should avoid this mode and instead opt for explicit path references.
  • The optional Mustache-style lambdas are not supported. Instead Handlebars provides its own lambda resolution that follows the behaviors of helpers.
  • Alternative delimiters are not supported.

Supported Environments

Handlebars has been designed to work in any ECMAScript 3 environment. This includes

  • Node.js
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari 5+
  • Opera 11+
  • IE 6+

Older versions and other runtimes are likely to work but have not been formally tested. The compiler requires JSON.stringify to be implemented natively or via a polyfill. If using the precompiler this is not necessary.

Performance

In a rough performance test, precompiled Handlebars.js templates (in the original version of Handlebars.js) rendered in about half the time of Mustache templates. It would be a shame if it were any other way, since they were precompiled, but the difference in architecture does have some big performance advantages. Justin Marney, a.k.a. gotascii, confirmed that with an independent test. The rewritten Handlebars (current version) is faster than the old version, with many performance tests being 5 to 7 times faster than the Mustache equivalent.

Upgrading

See release-notes.md for upgrade notes.

Known Issues

See FAQ.md for known issues and common pitfalls.

Handlebars in the Wild

  • Assemble, by @jonschlinkert and @doowb, is a static site generator that uses Handlebars.js as its template engine.
  • Cory, by @leo, is another tiny static site generator
  • CoSchedule An editorial calendar for WordPress that uses Handlebars.js
  • dashbars A modern helper library for Handlebars.js.
  • Ember.js makes Handlebars.js the primary way to structure your views, also with automatic data binding support.
  • Ghost Just a blogging platform.
  • handlebars_assets: A Rails Asset Pipeline gem from Les Hill (@leshill).
  • handlebars-helpers is an extensive library with 100+ handlebars helpers.
  • handlebars-layouts is a set of helpers which implement extendible and embeddable layout blocks as seen in other popular templating languages.
  • hbs: An Express.js view engine adapter for Handlebars.js, from Don Park.
  • koa-hbs: koa generator based renderer for Handlebars.js.
  • jblotus created http://tryhandlebarsjs.com for anyone who would like to try out Handlebars.js in their browser.
  • jQuery plugin: allows you to use Handlebars.js with jQuery.
  • Lumbar provides easy module-based template management for handlebars projects.
  • Marionette.Handlebars adds support for Handlebars and Mustache templates to Marionette.
  • sammy.js by Aaron Quint, a.k.a. quirkey, supports Handlebars.js as one of its template plugins.
  • SproutCore uses Handlebars.js as its main templating engine, extending it with automatic data binding support.
  • YUI implements a port of handlebars
  • Swag by @elving is a growing collection of helpers for handlebars.js. Give your handlebars.js templates some swag son!
  • DOMBars is a DOM-based templating engine built on the Handlebars parser and runtime DEPRECATED
  • promised-handlebars is a wrapper for Handlebars that allows helpers to return Promises.
  • just-handlebars-helpers A fully tested lightweight package with common Handlebars helpers.

External Resources

Have a project using Handlebars? Send us a pull request!

License

Handlebars.js is released under the MIT license.

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