The Digital Press

A developer revisits using XSLT with XML as a native, zero-configuration web build system, leveraging browsers to transform XML data into HTML without JavaScript or complex frameworks.

Why it matters: It offers a simple, native alternative to complex static site generators and JavaScript-heavy frameworks for building static websites.

The big picture: XSLT and XML, though older technologies, provide powerful, browser-supported transformation capabilities that reduce build complexity.

The other side: Users note XSLT’s steep learning curve, limited debugging tools, and browser deprecation risks for client-side transformations.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the simplicity and nostalgia of XSLT but warn of practical difficulties and prefer modern templating tools or local builds.