FreeMarker

FreeMarker is a template engine that helps generate text output, like HTML or even source code, based on templates. It’s mainly a Java package, which means it’s designed for Java programmers to use in their projects. While it’s not something end-users interact with directly, developers can embed it into their applications.

What Can You Do with FreeMarker?

One of the cool things about FreeMarker is how well it works for creating HTML web pages. It fits perfectly into servlet-based applications that follow the MVC (Model View Controller) pattern. With MVC, you can keep designers and programmers working separately but efficiently.

Working Together: Designers and Programmers

This separation allows designers to tweak the look of a page without needing the programmers to step in and change any code. This way, each person can focus on what they do best! The application logic (which is handled by Java programs) and the design (which uses FreeMarker templates) don’t mix together.

Keeping Things Clean

This clear separation is super helpful even if one person does both roles since it keeps everything organized and easy to manage. Although FreeMarker has some programming features, it's not as complex as full programming languages like PHP. Instead, Java prepares the data first while FreeMarker just focuses on generating text pages using those prepared templates.

Not Just for Web Applications

It’s important to note that FreeMarker isn’t a web application framework itself. It works well as part of one but doesn’t deal directly with HTTP or servlets; its main job is just generating text.

Use Beyond Web Apps

This means you can also use FreeMarker in other types of applications beyond web environments! And don’t worry—if you're using frameworks like Struts, we’ve got out-of-the-box solutions for integrating FreeMarker as your view component. Plus, you can use JSP taglibs right in your templates!