Hexo vs MkDocs: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Hexo and MkDocs

1. Static Site Generator: Hexo is a static site generator written in Node.js, whereas MkDocs is a static site generator built with Python. While both tools serve the purpose of generating static websites, the underlying programming language can be a deciding factor based on the developer's familiarity and preferences.

2. Documentation Generation: MkDocs is primarily designed for creating project documentation with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. On the other hand, Hexo is more versatile and can be used for creating a wide range of websites beyond just documentation. Depending on the specific requirements of the project, the choice between MkDocs and Hexo can be influenced by the focus on documentation versus general website generation.

3. Theming and Customization: Hexo provides a wide array of themes and plugins for customizing the appearance and functionality of the generated website. In contrast, MkDocs offers a simpler theming system with limited customization options compared to Hexo. If extensive theming and customization are essential for the project, developers may lean towards Hexo for its flexibility.

4. Community and Ecosystem: Hexo has a larger and more active community compared to MkDocs, resulting in a broader range of plugins, themes, and community support. This can be advantageous when seeking help, troubleshooting issues, or finding resources to enhance the functionality of the static site generator. Developers who prioritize community support and a rich ecosystem may opt for Hexo over MkDocs.

5. Development Speed and Performance: MkDocs is known for its rapid setup and straightforward workflow, making it a suitable choice for quick documentation projects. Hexo, with its Node.js foundation, offers efficient performance and speed during the development and generation process. Depending on the project's emphasis on development speed or runtime performance, developers can choose between MkDocs and Hexo accordingly.

6. Markdown Support: Both Hexo and MkDocs rely on Markdown for content creation, but they may have differences in Markdown extensions and rendering capabilities. Developers should consider the Markdown features required for their project, such as support for tables, syntax highlighting, or mathematical expressions, to determine which static site generator aligns better with their needs.

In Summary, the key differences between Hexo and MkDocs lie in their programming language, focus on documentation, theming flexibility, community support, development speed, and Markdown support.