Spacebars Compiler

1.6.0 verified Fri May 01 auth: no javascript

Spacebars Compiler compiles Spacebars templates (Handlebars-based syntax used in Meteor) into JavaScript modules compatible with Node.js and browser bundlers. Currently at version 1.6.0. It provides both CLI and programmatic usage for transforming templates into renderable JS functions. Key differentiator: it targets Meteor's Spacebars dialect, not general Handlebars, and supports i18n. Release cadence appears low as the author eface2face maintains it sporadically. Use when migrating Meteor templates to standalone Node/browser apps.

Common errors

error Cannot find module 'spacebars-compiler' ↓

cause Package not installed or not in node_modules.

fix

Run 'npm install spacebars-compiler' and ensure it's in your dependencies.

error TypeError: compile is not a function ↓

cause Importing the default export incorrectly in CommonJS (require returns an object).

fix

Use const { compile } = require('spacebars-compiler');

error Unexpected identifier: '...' ↓

cause Template contains syntax not valid Spacebars; may be using standard Handlebars helpers.

fix

Validate template strictly against Spacebars grammar.

Warnings

gotcha The compile function expects Spacebars-specific syntax (e.g., {{#each}}, {{#with}}), not standard Handlebars. ↓

fix Ensure your templates are Meteor Spacebars templates; use a different compiler for Handlebars.

gotcha If using the CLI, ensure the output file path is writable and directories exist. ↓

fix Check file permissions and use --dir to specify an existing directory.

gotcha The package does not ship bundled type definitions; TypeScript users need to provide their own or use @types/spacebars-compiler if available. ↓

fix Add declare module 'spacebars-compiler' or install community typings.

Install

npm install spacebars-compiler

yarn add spacebars-compiler

pnpm add spacebars-compiler

Imports

compile
wrong
```
const compile = require('spacebars-compiler').compile
```
correct
```
import { compile } from 'spacebars-compiler'
```
Default export is the compile function, but named export 'compile' is also available and preferred for ESM.
default
wrong
```
const compile = require('spacebars-compiler')
```
correct
```
import compile from 'spacebars-compiler'
```
Require returns an object that includes compile, so destructuring is needed; direct call fails.
compile
wrong
```
const compile = require('spacebars-compiler')
```
correct
```
const { compile } = require('spacebars-compiler')
```
For CommonJS, destructure to get the compile function, otherwise you get the namespace object.

Quickstart

Compile a basic Spacebars template string into a JavaScript function string.

import { compile } from 'spacebars-compiler';
const source = '{{#each items}}<li>{{name}}</li>{{/each}}';
const options = { isBody: true, useGlobalScope: false };
const output = compile(source, options);
console.log(output);