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Express app.engine() Method

Updated on Oct 27, 2024
By Mari Selvan
👁️ 47 - Views
⏳ 4 mins
💬 1 Comment
Express app.engine() Method

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

Express.js, a widely-used web application framework for Node.js, allows developers to customize various aspects of their applications. One such feature is the app.engine() method, which enables the integration of different view engines.

In this guide, we'll explore the syntax, usage, and practical examples of the app.engine() method, providing you with the tools to tailor your application's view rendering process.

💡 Syntax

The syntax for the app.engine() method is as follows:

syntax.js
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app.engine(viewEngineName, renderFunction)
  • viewEngineName: A string representing the name of the view engine to register.
  • renderFunction: The function responsible for rendering views using the specified view engine.

❓ How app.engine() Works

The app.engine() method allows you to register custom view engines with Express.js. View engines are responsible for rendering dynamic content and templates into HTML. By default, Express uses the 'pug' view engine, but with app.engine(), you can integrate others like 'ejs', 'handlebars', or even create your own.

example.js
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const express = require('express');
const app = express();

// Registering the 'ejs' view engine
app.engine('ejs', require('ejs').__express);
app.set('view engine', 'ejs');

// Your route handlers go here

const PORT = 3000;
app.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server is running on port ${PORT}`);
});

In this example, we register the 'ejs' view engine using app.engine() and set it as the default view engine using app.set('view engine', 'ejs').

📚 Use Cases

  1. Integration of Handlebars View Engine:

    Use app.engine() to integrate the Handlebars view engine, providing a powerful and flexible templating solution.

    example.js
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    const express = require('express');
    const exphbs = require('express-handlebars');
    const app = express();
    
    // Registering Handlebars as the view engine
    app.engine('handlebars', exphbs());
    app.set('view engine', 'handlebars');
    
    // Your route handlers go here
    
    const PORT = 3000;
    app.listen(PORT, () => {
      console.log(`Server is running on port ${PORT}`);
    });
  2. Custom View Engine:

    Leverage app.engine() to register a custom view engine tailored to your specific rendering requirements.

    example.js
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    const express = require('express');
    const app = express();
    
    // Custom view engine function
    const customEngine = (filePath, options, callback) => {
      // Implement your custom rendering logic here
      const renderedContent = /* Custom rendering logic */;
      return callback(null, renderedContent);
    };
    
    // Registering the custom view engine
    app.engine('custom', customEngine);
    app.set('view engine', 'custom');
    
    // Your route handlers go here
    
    const PORT = 3000;
    app.listen(PORT, () => {
      console.log(`Server is running on port ${PORT}`);
    });

🏆 Best Practices

  1. Choose the Right Engine for the Task:

    Select a view engine that aligns with your application's requirements and your familiarity with its syntax and features.

    example.js
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    // Choosing 'handlebars' for its simplicity and widespread usage
    app.engine('handlebars', exphbs());
    app.set('view engine', 'handlebars');
  2. Keep View Logic Separate:

    Separate view logic from route handlers by placing views in a dedicated 'views' directory. This enhances code organization and maintainability.

    example.js
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    project/
    |-- views/
    |   |-- index.ejs
    |   |-- layout.ejs
    |-- app.js
    

🎉 Conclusion

The app.engine() method in Express.js provides a powerful way to customize view engines, allowing you to tailor the rendering process to suit your application's needs. Whether integrating popular engines like Handlebars or creating your own, understanding how to use app.engine() enhances your ability to craft dynamic and engaging web applications.

Now equipped with knowledge about the app.engine() method, venture forth and enhance your Express.js projects with personalized view engine configurations!

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Author

author
👋 Hey, I'm Mari Selvan

For over eight years, I worked as a full-stack web developer. Now, I have chosen my profession as a full-time blogger at codetofun.com.

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Mari Selvan
Mari Selvan
8 months ago

If you have any doubts regarding this article (Express app.engine() Method), please comment here. I will help you immediately.

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