Hygen
hygen.ecmascript.pizza
What it is
Hygen is a free, open-source code generator that runs in a project and creates code from templates. Its generators are self-contained, with folder structure defining the commands, and it looks for a local `_templates` directory so templates can stay beside project code. Built-in scaffolds help create generators, including through prompts. Templates use EJS and frontmatter, where a `to` value can set the generated file destination. Generators accept command-line arguments, interactive or multi-step prompts, file creation, and content injection into existing files. Templates can also run shell commands, while actions can select matching files with strings or regular expressions. A documented `--dry` option supports test-running generators. Hygen was built for React, Redux, and Node.js boilerplate but can be used with any technology. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, is MIT licensed, and is distributed through Homebrew, npm, Yarn, npx, and standalone binaries.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Hygen is a scalable code generator that lives in a project and generates code from templates.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Product
- Hygen describes itself as a scalable code generator that lives in your project.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Integrations
- The site presents Redux, Express.js, and React Native as Hygen use cases.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Security
- The opened maker pages do not state security or compliance certifications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Support
- The maker site links users to Stack Overflow as its community resource.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project as MIT licensed.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Founded
- 2018Read 28 Sep 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Custom operations
- Hygen templates can run shell commands.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Dry run
- The quick start documents a --dry option for test-running generators.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Features
- Hygen supports prompts, automatic CLI arguments, adding files, injecting into existing files, and running shell commands.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- File operations
- Hygen can add new files and inject template content into existing files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Generator creation
- Built-in scaffolds help users create generators, including a prompt-driven option.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Generator selection
- Users can select matching files within an action using a string or regular-expression subaction.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Generator structure
- Generators are self-contained, and their folder structure determines the command structure.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Install options
- The maker documents installation through Homebrew, npm or Yarn, npx, and standalone binaries.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Installation
- The maker documents installation through Homebrew on macOS, global npm or Yarn installation, and `npx` use.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Integrations and use cases
- The maker’s site links examples for Redux, Express.js, and React Native.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Maker attribution
- The site copyright names Dotan J. Nahum.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Notable limit
- Hygen does not discover templates down folder trees out of the box, which the FAQ says preserves its startup performance.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Other frameworks
- The quick start says Hygen was built to ease boilerplate work for React, Redux, and Node.js, and can be used for any technology.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Platform availability
- The maker says standalone binaries are available for every major platform, without listing the platforms on that page.Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Platform binaries
- The Quick Start says binary releases are available for every major platform.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Project-local templates
- Hygen looks for a local `_templates` folder, allowing templates to live alongside project code.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Prompts and arguments
- Generators can accept command-line arguments and use interactive prompts or multi-step prompt flows.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Team workflow
- The maker says teams can keep templates in a shared project repository so changes can be reviewed with code in the same pull request.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Technology scope
- The Quick Start says Hygen was built to ease boilerplate work for React, Redux, and Node.js, but can be used for any technology.Read 4 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
- Template engine
- Template bodies use EJS, and template front matter can include values such as the target file path.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Templates
- Generators use project-local templates, with an optional global template folder configured through HYGEN_TMPLS.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Open source Free Code generator distributed through npm, Homebrew, npx, and standalone binaries Read 5 Oct 2026 · hygen.ecmascript.pizza
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Project-local `_templates` keep generators with code
- EJS templates support destination frontmatter
- Prompts and command-line arguments are supported
- Can add files or inject existing content
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Limits
- No schema-to-code generation
- Templates are not discovered down folder trees by default
- No free trial is offered
Who it suits
Hygen suits developers and teams that want project-local, template-driven code generation. It is relevant for React, Redux, Node.js, or other technology projects needing customizable CLI scaffolding.
Verdict
Hygen provides a free, open-source workflow for generating and modifying project files from local templates. Its CLI, prompts, shell commands, and broad platform support fit teams maintaining reusable scaffolding in repositories.
Where Specifiction places it
- Code Generators#5 of 338.7
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