nanoc

nanoc is a static site generator written in Ruby. It allows users to create websites and then compile them into flat HTML files that can be served by any web server. nanoc is known for its flexibility and extensibility, making it suitable for a wide range of projects from simple blogs to complex corporate websites.

At its core, nanoc uses a set of rules to process content. These rules define how to transform raw content files, such as Markdown or Haml, into final HTML output. nanoc supports various templating languages and can be configured with different build steps, allowing for sophisticated website generation pipelines. It also features a robust plugin system that extends its capabilities with features like live reloading, image processing, and content management integrations.

One of nanoc's key strengths is its item-based architecture. Everything in a nanoc site is considered an "item," whether it's a page, an image, or a data file. This unified approach simplifies the management of website assets and their relationships. nanoc also offers features like content folding, which allows for the organization of items into logical hierarchies, and data sources, which enable the integration of external data into the site generation process.

While nanoc has a steeper learning curve compared to some simpler static site generators, its power and adaptability make it a preferred choice for developers who require fine-grained control over their website's structure and build process. Its active community contributes to a rich ecosystem of extensions and support.