My Blog Engine Is the Erlang Build Tool

The author discusses their unique choice of using the Erlang Build Tool, Rebar3, to power their minimalist blog, which has been active for 14 years. The blog is designed to be static, with no dynamic content, JavaScript, or tracking, focusing instead on fast loading times and accessibility. The author highlights the need for a simple yet effective way to manage updates and features, such as syntax highlighting and RSS feeds, without relying on a database. The blog engine utilizes erlydtl, an Erlang implementation of Django Templates, to manage templates and content. The Rebar3 compiler is central to the blog's functionality, allowing for efficient rebuilding of only necessary files through a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) that tracks dependencies and modifications. The author emphasizes that while this setup works well for them, it may not be suitable for others due to its complexity and reliance on Erlang. The blog's structure includes various templates and sections, with a straightforward configuration that integrates seamlessly with the Rebar3 build process. Overall, the author finds this approach optimal for their needs, despite acknowledging its impracticality for a broader audience.

- The blog is powered by the Erlang Build Tool, Rebar3, emphasizing a static and minimalist design.

- It utilizes erlydtl for template management and focuses on fast loading and accessibility.

- The Rebar3 compiler efficiently rebuilds only necessary files using a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG).

- The author acknowledges the setup's complexity, making it potentially unsuitable for most users.

- The blog's configuration is straightforward, integrating various templates and sections effectively.