Github documents two different ways of configuring and theming Jekyll-based Pages sites.
- Creating sites with Jekyll, using a custom Gemfile
- Adding themes to Pages sites, without adding a Gemfile to the repo
What is the difference between the two approaches? Specifically
- Are both functionally equivalent, or is the second approach more restrictive in terms of theming? If so, what are the restrictions?
- Is the second approach still generating a Gemfile in the background? If so, is there a way to access it or know what it specifies?
- Relatedly, can one imitate the second approach using the first approach by specifying a certain Gemfile?
- Does one need to use the first approach in order to preview pages locally? Or could one deploy using the second approach, and then just add a Gemfile locally for the preview?
- More generally, what are the pros & cons of using the two different approaches?
