Hugo Modules Explained: Simplifying How to Build Themes

Maheen Waris | Oct 7, 2024 min read

Hugo Modules, introduced in version 0.80.0, are designed to simplify theme development by managing dependencies effectively. Here I explained what they are and how to use them.

What Are Hugo Modules?

Hugo Modules allow you to organize and share code more easily. They help you manage theme dependencies, making it simple to add, update, or remove components without complex folder structures.

Benefits of Using Hugo Modules

  1. Streamlined Development: Quickly manage theme dependencies.
  2. Improved Collaboration: Ensure team members use the same code version.
  3. Faster Loading Times: Include only necessary components for a lean site.
  4. Version Control: Easily roll back to previous versions if needed.

Getting Started with Hugo Modules

  1. Create a New Hugo Site:
    hugo new site my-site
    
  2. Initialize a Module: Navigate to your site’s directory:
    cd my-site
    hugo mod init <module-name>
    
  3. Add a Theme as a Module:
    hugo mod get github.com/budparr/gohugo-theme-ananke
    
  4. Update Your Configuration: In config.toml, set your theme:
    theme = "<theme-name>"
    
  5. Start Building: Run a local server to view changes:
    hugo server
    

Best Practices

  • Organize Clearly: Use descriptive names for your modules.
  • Maintain Versions: Regularly check for updates.
  • Document Your Work: Keep good notes on how to use your modules.

Conclusion

Hugo Modules simplify theme development by streamlining dependency management and improving collaboration. Start using them today to enhance your Hugo projects! Happy coding!