Capabilities

Jekyll is an open-source static site generator built in Ruby. It allows developers to create static websites by processing plain text files and converting them into HTML files. Unlike dynamic websites that generate content on the server-side, static websites consist of pre-rendered HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that can be served directly to users, resulting in faster loading times and improved security.

Key features and concepts of Jekyll include:

1. Markdown Support: Jekyll encourages the use of Markdown, a lightweight markup language, for creating content. Markdown files are processed and converted to HTML during the build process.

2. Liquid Templating: Jekyll uses the Liquid template language to create dynamic content within static sites. Liquid tags and filters allow developers to inject dynamic elements, such as loops, conditions, and variables, into their templates.

3. Front Matter: Jekyll supports front matter, which is metadata included at the top of Markdown files using YAML, JSON, or other formats. Front matter can be used to specify layout templates, titles, categories, tags, and other page-specific information.

4. Layouts and Templates: Jekyll enables the creation of reusable layout templates that define the structure of web pages. Content files (Markdown files) are combined with layouts during the build process to generate complete HTML pages.

5. Collections: Collections in Jekyll allow developers to group content by type, such as posts, pages, or projects. Each collection can have its own layout and properties.

6. Plugins: Jekyll supports a wide range of plugins that extend its functionality. Plugins can be used to automate tasks, generate dynamic content, and integrate with external services.

7. Customization: Developers can customize Jekyll sites by modifying layouts, templates, styles, and other components. This flexibility allows for a unique design and structure.

8. GitHub Pages Integration: Jekyll is the default static site generator for GitHub Pages, a web hosting service by GitHub. Users can easily build and deploy Jekyll-powered sites directly from their GitHub repositories.

Jekyll is popular among developers who prefer static sites for their simplicity, security, and fast loading times. It is particularly well-suited for blogs, documentation sites, portfolios, and other content-driven websites. Jekyll's integration with GitHub Pages makes it easy for developers to create and host their static websites without the need for complex server configurations or databases.