HugoStatic Site GeneratorHeadless CMSComposable ArchitectureGoContent FocusedPerformanceAPI

Hugo

Fast static site generator for content-driven websites.

Overview

Hugo is used as the presentation layer in headless architectures by consuming content from Headless CMS platforms via APIs or generated files and rendering static pages at build time. Its focus on speed and simplicity makes it suitable for large content sites where build performance and predictable delivery are critical.

Rendering Modes
SSG
Best For

Blogs, Documentation portals, Large content websites, Multilingual sites, Headless CMS projects requiring fast build times

License

Apache 2.0

Quick Start

brew install hugo

Create a new site: hugo new site <project> and enter the folder. Add a theme (commonly as a Git submodule) and set it in config. Start the dev server: hugo server (live reload + rebuild on changes).

Key Features

Extremely Fast Builds

Hugo is optimized for speed and can generate large static sites in milliseconds, making it suitable for frequent content updates and large content volumes.

Flexible Content Model

Hugo provides a flexible content and taxonomy system that supports complex content structures commonly used with Headless CMS integrations.

Built-in Templating

Hugo includes a powerful templating system based on Go templates, enabling precise control over layouts, partials, and content rendering.

Multilingual Support

Hugo has native support for multilingual sites, allowing teams to manage and render content in multiple languages efficiently.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fast and efficient builds
  • No runtime dependencies
  • Strong support for large content sites

Cons

  • Limited runtime and dynamic capabilities
  • Go-based templating has a learning curve

Common Use Cases

BlogsDocumentation SitesMarketing & Landing PagesCompany / Project WebsitesPortfoliosMultilingual Websites

Compatible CMS

Compatible Cloud Servers