Jekyll is a popular static site generator used by developers and content creators to build fast, secure, and flexible websites. One of its powerful features is the ability to organize content efficiently using collections. Collections allow you to group related content types together, making your site easier to manage and navigate.

What Are Collections in Jekyll?

Collections in Jekyll are custom groups of content that go beyond the default posts and pages. They enable you to define your own content types, such as projects, recipes, tutorials, or any other category relevant to your site. Each collection has its own set of files stored in a dedicated directory, and Jekyll processes them separately from posts and pages.

How to Set Up Collections

To create a collection in Jekyll, follow these steps:

  • Open your site's _config.yml file.
  • Add a new entry under collections. For example:

collections:

projects:

This configuration creates a new collection called projects.

Next, create a directory named _projects in your site root. Place your project files inside this folder. Each file should have a YAML front matter block to define its metadata.

Using Collections in Your Site

Once your collection is set up, you can display its content on your site. For example, create a page or a section where you list all projects:

In your template or page, use Liquid tags to loop through the collection:

{% for project in site.projects %}

<h3>{{ project.title }}</h3>

{{ project.description }}

{% endfor %}

Benefits of Using Collections

Using collections offers several advantages:

  • Better organization of related content types.
  • Easy management and updating of specific content groups.
  • Enhanced flexibility in site design and layout.
  • Separation of concerns, making your project more maintainable.

Conclusion

Collections are a vital feature in Jekyll that help you structure complex sites with multiple content types. By defining and managing collections effectively, you can create a more organized, scalable, and user-friendly website. Whether you're building a portfolio, a documentation site, or a blog with diverse content, collections provide the tools to keep everything tidy and accessible.