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Getting Started with 11ty: A Practical Guide

Getting Started with 11ty: A Practical Guide

Eleventy (11ty) is a simple yet powerful static site generator that transforms various template files into HTML. Unlike other static site generators, 11ty is zero-config by default and doesn't force you into a specific template engine.

Why Choose 11ty?

  • Simplicity: Zero client-side JavaScript by default
  • Flexibility: Supports multiple template languages
  • Performance: Incredibly fast build times
  • No Framework Lock-in: Use any template language you prefer
  • Active Community: Growing ecosystem of plugins and resources

Basic Setup

1. Initialize Your Project

First, create a new directory and initialize your project:

Adding Collections

In .eleventy.js, configure collections:

Common Patterns

Pagination

Best Practices

  1. Organization

    • Keep templates in _includes
    • Use consistent naming conventions
    • Separate concerns (content, layout, styles)

  2. Performance

    • Minimize JavaScript usage
    • Optimize images
    • Use appropriate caching headers

  3. Development

    • Use --serve for local development
    • Enable debug mode when needed
    • Keep dependencies updated

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

  1. Build Errors

    • Check template syntax
    • Verify file paths
    • Enable debug mode

  2. Layout Issues

    • Confirm layout specified in frontmatter
    • Check template inheritance
    • Verify includes paths

  3. Data Access

    • Use correct variable scope
    • Check collection definitions
    • Verify data cascade

Conclusion

11ty provides a powerful yet simple way to build static sites. Its flexibility and performance make it an excellent choice for blogs, documentation sites, and more. As you become more comfortable with these basics, explore the official documentation for advanced features and techniques.

Remember: The best way to learn is by doing. Start with a simple site and gradually add more features as you become comfortable with the basics.

This tutorial:

  1. Covers basic setup and configuration
  2. Explains templates and layouts
  3. Shows how to work with content and collections
  4. Includes advanced features and deployment
  5. Provides practical code examples
  6. Includes troubleshooting tips
  7. Uses proper markdown formatting for code blocks and sections

Would you like me to:

  • Add more specific examples?
  • Expand any particular section?
  • Add more advanced topics?
  • Include more about specific features you're using in your site?