FOSSMeet 2016

• Learn what static websites are and how they differ from dynamic websites
• Learn about the various static website generators and the difference between them (Jekyll, Docpad, and others superficially)
• Learn Jekyll basics - folder structure, configuration, liquid templating, variables, layouts, post metadata, markdown, redcarpet extensions, permalink, etc.
• Learn Github pages basics - user/organization pages, setting up custom domain with CNAME, using subfolders effectively

Outline

For various reasons, a full blown dynamic content management system like wordpress would be an overkill for some websites. Examples include a simple blog, or a simple campaign website. Static website generators help one create html based websites and content management is done through files on the filesystem (usually). These html pages can then be served on various hosts and therefore are cheap, fast, secure, and can be easily version controlled.

Although they do not have the power of a server side language, many features can be accomplished on a static generated website through javascript by creative mixing of various ideas. For example, comments can be enabled through disqus.

Also, since they’re just files that need no processing, many cheap hosts are available. In fact, github does free hosting. Compared to things that’re needed for a typical wordpress site - php, mysql - statically generated websites run on bare metal :D

Hopefully by the end of this session many people will be motivated to set up a simple website/blog for themselves and strengthen the open Web with their presence.

Requirements

• Laptop
• Internet connection || gem install jekyll

Speaker bio

I have built my website with Docpad and my quasi-website, quasi-blog decentralized social feed using Jekyll. So I’m well versed with both these frameworks and knowledgable about the most common challenges of both and nice tips and tricks for making things happen on them.

Links

• https://github.com/asdofindia
• http://asd.learnlearn.in