Middleman vs Pelican: What are the differences?

# Introduction

1. **Template Engine**: Middleman uses ERB (Embedded Ruby) as its default template engine, while Pelican uses Jinja2. ERB is embedded within HTML and is very Ruby-centric, whereas Jinja2 is more flexible and allows for easier customization.
2. **Dependency Management**: Middleman uses RubyGems for managing dependencies, whereas Pelican uses Python's pip. This means Middleman depends on the Ruby ecosystem, while Pelican relies on the Python ecosystem for its plugins and extensions.
3. **Content Organization**: Middleman organizes content based on directories and files within the source folder, while Pelican uses a system of categories and metadata at the top of each content file. This can affect how content is structured and accessed within each static site generator.
4. **Development Language**: Middleman is built with Ruby, making it a better choice for Ruby developers who are already familiar with the language. On the other hand, Pelican is built with Python, which might be more appealing to Python developers looking to utilize their existing skills.
5. **Configuration**: In terms of configuration, Middleman uses a Ruby-based configuration file (config.rb), while Pelican uses a Python-based configuration file (pelicanconf.py). This can influence how users interact with and customize the settings of each static site generator.
6. **Themes and Plugins**: Middleman offers a wide range of themes and plugins through RubyGems, providing users with a variety of options for customization. Pelican also has a variety of themes and plugins available through the Python Package Index (PyPI), catering to users looking to enhance their site's functionality.

# Summary

In summary, Middleman and Pelican differ in their template engines, dependency management, content organization, development language, configuration methods, and availability of themes and plugins.