Jekyll vs MkDocs: What are the differences?

Introduction

Jekyll and MkDocs are both static site generators that allow developers to build websites and documentation. However, there are several key differences between the two.

1. Template Engines: Jekyll uses Liquid, a flexible template engine, while MkDocs uses Jinja2, a powerful templating language. Liquid offers a simpler syntax, making it easier for beginners to grasp, while Jinja2 provides more advanced features and functionalities. Depending on the complexity of the project, the choice of template engine can impact the ease of development and customization.

2. Documentation Structure: MkDocs is specifically designed for creating documentation, providing a hierarchical structure that mirrors folders and files. It automatically generates a table of contents based on the file structure, simplifying navigation. Jekyll, on the other hand, gives developers more flexibility in organizing content, making it suitable for both traditional websites and documentation. Jekyll requires manual creation of navigation menus and table of contents, which can be more time-consuming for extensive documentation projects.

3. Plugin Ecosystem: Jekyll has a more mature and extensive plugin ecosystem, offering a wide range of functionality through plugins. This allows developers to add features such as SEO optimization, image processing, and form handling easily. MkDocs, while still providing some useful plugins, has a more limited selection. If the project requires extensive customization and specific functionality, Jekyll's plugin ecosystem can be an advantage.

4. Language Support: Jekyll primarily uses Markdown for content creation, allowing developers to write in a straightforward and intuitive syntax. It also supports HTML, Sass, and other programming languages. MkDocs also supports Markdown but only offers limited support for HTML. Thus, if the project requires more complex HTML structures or advanced styling, Jekyll provides greater flexibility and options.

5. Development Environment: Jekyll requires Ruby and its associated dependencies to be installed, which can add a layer of complexity for developers who are not familiar with Ruby development. MkDocs, on the other hand, is built on Python and is generally easier to set up and get started with. This can make MkDocs more accessible for developers who prefer Python or want a simpler setup process.

6. Community and Documentation: Jekyll has a larger and more active community due to its longer existence. This means that there is a wealth of documentation, tutorials, and forums available for troubleshooting and getting assistance. MkDocs, while also having a supportive community, may have fewer resources available. For developers who prefer a more established and well-documented framework, Jekyll provides an advantage in terms of community support.

In summary, Jekyll and MkDocs differ in their template engines, documentation structures, plugin ecosystems, language support, development environments, and community and documentation. The choice between the two depends on the specific project requirements, development experience, and preferences of the developers.