EJS: Dynamic Templates for Web Applications

EJS (Embedded JavaScript) is a template engine that enables generating dynamic HTML with JavaScript. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use tool that integrates well with Node.js, facilitating the creation of robust and dynamic web applications. In this article, we will explore the basics of EJS, some practical examples, and how you can further your understanding of its use.

What is EJS?

EJS is a template engine for JavaScript that allows embedding JavaScript code in HTML files. Its syntax is simple and straightforward, making it easy to create dynamic views. EJS is commonly used with Express.js in Node.js applications to render server-side HTML.

Basic Concepts of EJS

EJS allows including programming logic within HTML files using special delimiters:

<% %>: For executing JavaScript code.
<%= %>: For embedding the result of an expression.
<%- %>: For embedding unescaped HTML (useful for including raw HTML).

Short Examples

Example 1: Embedding Variables

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Hello, <%= name %>!</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <h1>Welcome, <%= name %>!</h1>
  </body>
</html>

In this example, name is a variable passed to the template engine and embedded in the HTML.

Example 2: Iterating Over a List

<ul>
  <% items.forEach(function(item) { %>
  <li><%= item %></li>
  <% }); %>
</ul>

Here, a forEach loop is used to iterate over a list of items and generate an unordered list in HTML.

Advantages of Using EJS

Simplicity: EJS uses a simple and familiar syntax for JavaScript developers.
Flexibility: It allows mixing HTML and JavaScript efficiently.
Integration: It integrates easily with Express.js and other Node.js tools.

Learning More

To delve deeper into EJS, consider the following resources:

Official Documentation: The EJS documentation offers comprehensive guides and detailed examples.
Online Tutorials: There are numerous online tutorials and courses to help you master EJS.
Open Source Projects: Reviewing and contributing to open-source projects using EJS can be an excellent way to learn.

EJS is an essential tool for any developer looking to generate dynamic HTML efficiently. With this basic introduction and the provided examples, you're on your way to leveraging EJS to enhance your web projects. Explore more and discover the potential of EJS!