Reimplement Page Rendering

Problem or Enhancement Idea

Hinode, a powerful and flexible static site generator, has been supporting an adaptive page layout for quite some time now. This layout is achieved through a mix of blocks and partials, allowing users to customize single pages and list pages as needed. A comprehensive guide is available to help users customize the layout of a page based on its type. However, in retrospect, Hinode's page rendering has become quite complex over the years. This complexity has been further exacerbated by the recent breaking change introduced by Hugo, a popular static site generator, in its template system.

Breaking Change: Hugo's Reimplemented Template System

Hugo, a widely used static site generator, has recently reimplemented its template system, causing a breaking change with Hinode and Hugo v0.145.0. This change has significant implications for Hinode users, as it requires a reevaluation of the page rendering approach. In this article, we will explore the proposed solution to simplify Hinode's page rendering approach, leveraging Hugo's reimplemented template system as a starting point.

Proposed Solution

To simplify Hinode's page rendering approach, the following adjustments have been identified:

Move Base Templates from layouts/_default to the layouts Directory

The first step in simplifying Hinode's page rendering approach is to move the base templates from layouts/_default to the layouts directory. This change will help to declutter the default layout directory and make it easier to manage the various templates.

Replace All .Render Calls with a partial Call

Another key change is to replace all .Render calls with a partial call. This will help to simplify the code and make it more efficient.

Split the Current main Block into a header and body Block in baseof.html

The current main block will be split into a header and body block in baseof.html. This change will help to improve the structure and organization of the code.

Always Render a Footer Below the Fold (Dropping the Option footerBelowFold in the Main Configuration)

The option footerBelowFold will be dropped from the main configuration, and the footer will always be rendered below the fold. This change will help to improve the user experience and make the site more accessible.

Replace Page Sections with Bookshop Components

Finally, page sections will be replaced with Bookshop components. This change will help to simplify the code and make it more efficient.

Additional Context

The proposed solution is a breaking change, especially the switch to Bookshop components, which is a major overhaul. However, the theme author has gained extensive experience with this framework in the past year and is confident that it will improve the overall user experience. Although managed by CloudCannon, the Bookshop framework itself is open source and easily configurable in the page's front matter. Using CloudCannon and its visual editing features is optional.

Benefits of the Proposed Solution

The proposed solution offers several benefits, including:

• Simplified Code: The proposed solution will simplify the code and make it more efficient.
• Improved: The proposed solution will improve the structure and organization of the code.
• Better User Experience: The proposed solution will improve the user experience and make the site more accessible.
• Flexibility: The proposed solution will provide more flexibility in terms of customization and configuration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed solution to simplify Hinode's page rendering approach is a significant improvement over the current complex approach. By leveraging Hugo's reimplemented template system and making the necessary adjustments, we can create a more efficient, organized, and user-friendly site. The benefits of the proposed solution are numerous, and we are confident that it will improve the overall user experience.

Future Development

In the future, we plan to continue improving and refining the page rendering approach. We will work closely with the community to ensure that the solution meets the needs of all users. We will also continue to monitor the performance and usability of the site and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that it remains efficient and effective.

Getting Started

If you are interested in implementing the proposed solution, we recommend starting by reviewing the guide on customizing the layout of a page based on its type. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current page rendering approach and the necessary adjustments to make. We also recommend exploring the Bookshop framework and its features to gain a deeper understanding of its capabilities and limitations.

Conclusion

Q: What is the main goal of the proposed solution to simplify Hinode's page rendering approach?

A: The main goal of the proposed solution is to simplify Hinode's page rendering approach by leveraging Hugo's reimplemented template system and making the necessary adjustments. This will help to create a more efficient, organized, and user-friendly site.

Q: What are the key changes proposed in the solution?

A: The key changes proposed in the solution include:

• Moving base templates from layouts/_default to the layouts directory
• Replacing all .Render calls with a partial call
• Splitting the current main block into a header and body block in baseof.html
• Always rendering a footer below the fold (dropping the option footerBelowFold in the main configuration)
• Replacing page sections with Bookshop components

Q: Why is the switch to Bookshop components a major overhaul?

A: The switch to Bookshop components is a major overhaul because it requires a significant change in the way page sections are handled. However, the theme author has gained extensive experience with this framework in the past year and is confident that it will improve the overall user experience.

Q: Is the Bookshop framework open source?

A: Yes, the Bookshop framework is open source and easily configurable in the page's front matter. This means that users have the flexibility to customize and configure the framework to meet their specific needs.

Q: Is using CloudCannon and its visual editing features optional?

A: Yes, using CloudCannon and its visual editing features is optional. Users can choose to use the framework without CloudCannon's visual editing features if they prefer.

Q: What are the benefits of the proposed solution?

A: The benefits of the proposed solution include:

• Simplified code
• Improved structure and organization of the code
• Better user experience
• Flexibility in terms of customization and configuration

Q: How will the proposed solution improve the user experience?

A: The proposed solution will improve the user experience by creating a more efficient, organized, and user-friendly site. The simplified code and improved structure and organization of the code will make it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need.

Q: What is the next step in implementing the proposed solution?

A: The next step in implementing the proposed solution is to review the guide on customizing the layout of a page based on its type. This will provide users with a comprehensive understanding of the current page rendering approach and the necessary adjustments to make.

Q: Can I get help implementing the proposed solution?

A: Yes, users can get help implementing the proposed solution by reaching out to the community or seeking assistance from a developer. The theme author is also available to provide guidance and support.

Q: What is the timeline for implementing the proposed solution?

A: The timeline for implementing the proposed solution is not determined. However, the theme author is committed to working closely with the community to ensure that the solution is implemented in a timely and efficient manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed solution to simplify Hinode's page rendering approach is a significant improvement over the current complex approach. By leveraging Hugo's reimplemented template system and making the necessary adjustments, we can create a more efficient, organized, and user-friendly site. We are confident that the benefits of the proposed solution will improve the overall user experience and make Hinode an even more powerful and flexible static site generator.