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Nov 11, 2025
5m:23s

Why Templates?

Classification
Software Engineering | Languages | JavaScript | Node
Keywords
javascript | node

About This Episode:

Static HTML can only take you so far. In this episode, we explore why Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and templates are essential for building dynamic web applications.

We’ll look at how to generate HTML dynamically using JavaScript, what makes manual templating so painful, and why templating engines like EJS are the next logical step.


💡 You’ll Learn

- The difference between Static HTML and Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
- Benefits of dynamic content in web apps
- How to manually render HTML from JavaScript data
- The drawbacks of manual templating
- Why separating data from layout improves maintainability


💡 Relevant Links

Previous TekCasts series:
- JavaScript for Beginners: https://tekcasts.com/play/javascript-for-beginners-what-is-javascript
- JavaScript in the Browser: https://tekcasts.com/play/javascript-in-the-browser-browser-runtime-environment


Resources mentioned:
- Node.js: https://nodejs.org
- TailwindCSS: https://tailwindcss.com
- PrismJS: https://prismjs.com
Bob Cravens

Bob Cravens

Your Instructor
more »
Owner
TekFoundry
Wisconsin
United States
Short Bio:
Bob Cravens is a seasoned technology leader, software architect, and educator with a passion for empowering others through practical, real-world knowledge. As the founder of TekFoundry, Bob has dedicated his career to designing and delivering innovative software solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with elegant simplicity.

At TekCasts, Bob leverages over two decades of experience in software engineering, application architecture, and team leadership to create engaging, high-impact courses for developers and technology professionals. His instructional style is rooted in practical application, offering insights drawn from his extensive background in industries like medical devices and global technology consulting.

Bob’s expertise spans a variety of technologies and methodologies, including PHP/Laravel, FastAPI, and DevOps, as well as architecture best practices and team dynamics. Whether teaching foundational concepts or advanced strategies, he’s passionate about helping others turn complex challenges into streamlined solutions.

When not crafting elegant code or inspiring the next generation of tech innovators, Bob enjoys exploring the intersection of technology, business strategy, and creative problem-solving.