Eleventy, also known as @11ty/eleventy, is a static site generator built with JavaScript that allows developers to create fast and flexible websites. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, providing a minimal setup and configuration process. Eleventy supports various template languages like Markdown, HTML, and JavaScript, giving developers the flexibility to choose the best approach for their projects. It also offers a rich plugin ecosystem for extending its functionality and integrating with other tools.
Nuxt is a powerful framework for building server-side rendered (SSR) and static websites using Vue.js. It simplifies the development process by providing a convention over configuration approach and built-in features like automatic code splitting, server-side rendering, and static site generation. Nuxt also offers a modular architecture with a plugin system, making it easy to extend and customize your application.
Eleventy is a static site generator that focuses on simplicity and flexibility. It allows you to generate static websites from various template languages. Nuxt, on the other hand, is a framework built on top of Vue.js that enables server-side rendering, static site generation, and single-page applications.
Popularity
Nuxt is more popular, especially within the Vue.js ecosystem, due to its powerful features for building Vue applications. Eleventy, while gaining popularity, is more niche and caters to those looking for a simpler static site generator.
Performance
Eleventy is known for its fast build times and efficient output. Since it generates static sites, the performance is generally very good. Nuxt, being a full-fledged framework, can have more overhead, especially for complex applications, but it offers features like server-side rendering that can enhance performance in certain scenarios.
Flexibility
Eleventy is highly flexible and allows you to use various templating languages and data formats. It doesn't impose a specific way of working, giving you more freedom in how you structure your project. Nuxt, being a framework, comes with more conventions and a predefined structure, which can be beneficial for larger projects but might feel restrictive for some developers.
Learning Curve
Eleventy is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a straightforward static site generator. Nuxt, being a framework with more features and complexity, has a steeper learning curve, especially for developers new to Vue.js or frontend frameworks in general.
Community and Ecosystem
Nuxt has a larger and more active community due to its association with Vue.js. This means more resources, plugins, and community support are available for Nuxt developers. Eleventy, while growing, has a smaller community and ecosystem in comparison.