So you’re new to web development and want to build a simple website. Maybe a blog. Maybe a portfolio. And all the big names—React, Angular, Next.js—feel a bit… too much. We hear you. Sometimes small is beautiful. That’s where small-scale static site generators come in. They’re easy to use, fast, and perfect for learning the ropes without the steep curve.
TL;DR: If you’re a beginner wanting to create a clean, fast website without dealing with complex frameworks, static site generators might be your best friend. Tools like Eleventy, Astro, and Hugo make web development fun and focused. They’re lightweight, easier to learn, and perfect for simple projects or personal websites. Let’s explore five of the best ones that newbies absolutely love!
1. Eleventy (11ty) – The Minimalist’s Dream
Why developers love it: It’s super flexible, simple, and hands out zero drama. Eleventy doesn’t force a framework down your throat. Instead, it adapts to what you like. Markdown? Templates? HTML? Yes to all.
- No client-side JavaScript needed
- Works great with Markdown and plain HTML
- Minimal setup, yet powerful features
Eleventy is perfect for blogs, documentation, or any site where you want full control. You can add complexity as you go, but you don’t have to bite off more than you can chew right away.
Cool Factor: You can use any template language you like—Nunjucks, Mustache, even Liquid.
2. Astro – The Space-Age Static Builder
Astro is like the cool new kid who brings cookies to class. It lets you build websites that feel fast because they are fast. It ships as little JavaScript to the browser as possible. This makes your site load like a rocket.
- Supports React, Vue, and Svelte components—but only loads them when needed
- Zero JavaScript by default
- Excellent for hybrid content + app websites
Astro shines for blogs, landing pages, and marketing sites. You can also easily connect to CMS features or pull data from APIs. A little more advanced than Eleventy, but still beginner-friendly with great docs.
Cool Factor: You can write a component in React and one in Svelte on the same page. And it still works. Mind = blown!
3. Jekyll – The OG Static Site Generator
Jekyll is like that old hoodie you’ve had since college. Reliable, familiar, and works like a charm. It was built by the co-founder of GitHub and is actually integrated into GitHub Pages. That’s right—you can host Jekyll sites for free, directly from your repo.
- Uses Markdown and Liquid templates
- Works out-of-the-box with GitHub Pages
- No database required
It may not be trendy, but it’s beloved for its simplicity and widespread support. If you want to get a blog online in an evening, Jekyll has your back.
Cool Factor: You don’t even need to install anything to publish a Jekyll blog—just use GitHub’s online editor and hit save.
4. Hugo – Static at the Speed of Light
Hugo is written in Go. And that means speed. Like, blink-and-it’s-done fast. It’s one of the fastest static site generators around. That’s why people with lots of content (like blogs or documentation) love using it.
- Builds thousands of pages in seconds
- Works straight from Markdown files
- Massive theme library to choose from
If you don’t want to mess with much code and like the idea of choosing a theme and just writing your content, Hugo is your jam. Many devs build their personal websites with it and never look back.
Cool Factor: Its templating system gives you an insane amount of control. Want something custom? Hugo can handle it, no sweat.
5. VitePress – Sleek Docs, Made Easy
The brainchild of the creators of Vue.js, VitePress is simple and laser-focused—it’s made for documentation sites. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build something more personal. If you like Markdown and clean designs, it’s a winner.
- Built with Vite for fast builds
- Fine-tuned for documentation and content
- Minimalist workflows
Beginner Vue fans will find the learning curve easy. Even if you don’t know Vue, it’s simple to get started. You write Markdown, it becomes a website.
Cool Factor: Includes built-in search and code highlighting without any setup.
Why Not Use Big Frameworks?
Let’s face it—frameworks like React and Next.js are awesome. But for a small, personal site? They can be total overkill.
- You don’t need a JavaScript-heavy app to show off your cat photos
- Faster learning = faster results = more confidence
- No server or database needed—just HTML files
Static site generators can build entire websites that live happily on GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Vercel. No server? No problem.
Where to Go from Here?
Pick one and try it out! Here’s a cheat sheet to help you:
| Tool | Great For | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|
| Eleventy | Personal blogs, portfolios | Easy |
| Astro | Modern, dynamic projects | Medium |
| Jekyll | GitHub Pages sites | Easy |
| Hugo | High-volume blogs and docs | Medium |
| VitePress | Documentation, notes | Easy |
Final Thoughts
Building websites doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a JavaScript megaframe to make a blog. With these small static site generators, you can learn by doing—and launch your first site in under an hour.
So go ahead. Pick your tool. Grab your favorite theme. Write something cool. And hit publish.
Because sometimes, simple is just right.
