Harp is a static web server that also functions as a generator and bundler for front-end projects.
Harp solves the problem of managing pre-processing workflows by eliminating configuration overhead. It automatically serves Jade, Markdown, EJS, Less, Stylus, Sass, and CoffeeScript files as compiled HTML, CSS, and JavaScript without requiring any setup. The tool includes first-class support for layouts and partials, flexible metadata handling, and global objects for traversing the file system and injecting custom data into templates. Beyond serving files during development, Harp can compile an entire project down to static assets suitable for deployment to any HTTP host.
Harp suits developers who want to publish front-end projects as static assets without adopting a full web framework. It works well for simple sites and applications where the overhead of traditional build tools feels unnecessary. The tool is designed to be lightweight and fast, with built-in LRU caching in production mode. It can be used as a command-line utility, as a Node library for programmatic compilation or server control, or as middleware for Connect and Express applications.
The project maintains a single maintainer who continues to accept and integrate contributions. Development activity shows ongoing engagement with the codebase through periodic updates and issue resolution. The tool remains actively supported with bug fixes and improvements applied to the core functionality.
