Head-to-Head: Mustache.js vs Pug Analysis

mustache

v4.2.0(over 3 years ago)

This package was last published over a year ago. It may not be actively maintained.Types definitions are provided via a separate npm package: @types/mustacheNumber of direct dependencies: 0Monthly npm downloads

Mustache is a logic-less template syntax that can be used for HTML, config files, source code, or any other text-based format. It is easy to read and write, making it a popular choice for generating dynamic content in web applications. Mustache templates are simple and maintainable, focusing on the separation of concerns between data and presentation.

Alternatives:
handlebars+
ejs+
pug+
hogan.js+
nunjucks+
dustjs-linkedin+
doT+
marko+
squirrelly+
underscore-template+

Tags: templatesyntaxlogic-lesswebdynamic-content

pug

v3.0.3(2 months ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are provided via a separate npm package: @types/pugNumber of direct dependencies: 8Monthly npm downloads

Pug, formerly known as Jade, is a high-performance template engine for Node.js and browsers that simplifies HTML markup creation with its concise and elegant syntax. It allows developers to write clean and readable templates using indentation-based structure instead of cumbersome HTML tags. Pug supports features like template inheritance, mixins, and includes, making it easy to create reusable components and layouts.

Alternatives:
ejs+
handlebars+
mustache+
nunjucks+
hogan.js+
marko+
dustjs-linkedin+
doT+
twig+
squirrelly+

Tags: node.jstemplate-enginehtmlmarkupsyntax

Fight!

Template Syntax

Mustache uses a simple and intuitive syntax with double curly braces {{}} for variable interpolation and basic logic. Pug, on the other hand, uses indentation-based syntax and supports more advanced features like conditionals, loops, and mixins.

Popularity

Mustache has been around for a longer time and has gained popularity as a lightweight and easy-to-use templating engine. Pug, formerly known as Jade, has also gained popularity for its concise and expressive syntax. Both packages have a significant user base and community support.

Integration

Mustache can be easily integrated into various JavaScript frameworks and libraries, including React, Angular, and Node.js. Pug, on the other hand, is primarily used with Node.js and Express.js for server-side rendering and generating HTML templates.

Features

Mustache focuses on simplicity and provides a minimalistic feature set, making it suitable for basic templating needs. Pug, on the other hand, offers more advanced features like conditionals, loops, mixins, and includes, making it more suitable for complex templating scenarios.

Developer Experience

Mustache has a straightforward and easy-to-understand syntax, making it beginner-friendly and quick to learn. Pug's indentation-based syntax may require a learning curve for developers who are not familiar with it. However, once mastered, Pug can provide a more concise and expressive coding experience.

Performance

Mustache is known for its simplicity and lightweight nature, resulting in good performance. Pug, with its more advanced features and indentation-based syntax, may have a slightly higher overhead in terms of performance.