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Why you should Stop using CSS Frameworks

Uriel Bitton on October 15, 2020

Yes CSS frameworks can be useful and speed up web design time which is the main purpose of why they were created. But the issue with using CSS fra...
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Ben Holmes • Edited

Hm, I feel there's a lot of nuance here that's worth considering.

First, I'd want to draw a distinction between a) pre-styled, prescriptive frameworks like Material UI and Bootstrap and b) utility frameworks like Reach UI and Tailwind CSS.

The former definitely comes in handy for anyone trying to build full stack applications without a design team on standby. For such an audience, the training wheels provided by, say, Material UI components are critical for moving fast.

These training wheels also ensure accessibility guidelines are met without as much research on the developer's part. You may not think about it, but hacking together dropdowns and tab sliders that look good won't always work well for all people. I recently wrote a longform post on building an accessible navbar for this very reason; there's so many little things to consider that Material UI et al. will consider ahead-of-time!

Now let's consider those utility frameworks. If you're unfamiliar, frameworks like Reach UI provide a "skeleton" of CSS and React components to build your own visual identity on top of. This framework merely exists to help you hit accessibility guidelines for modals, tabs, custom select boxes, etc, while also giving you powerful CSS selectors to build from. I'm a CSS warrior myself, so I lean on this type of CSS framework super hard to get things done.

I also threw in the Tailwind utility framework, which also empowers you to build your CSS from a set of building blocks. However, this takes an entirely different approach to the problem that's worth its own evaluation. Check out this post by @swyx to understand that one a bit better.

My personal stance

Overall, I think writing off CSS frameworks is a bit of a hand-wavy statement to make given the huge landscape of tools out there right now. There will always be a place for prebuilt solutions like Material UI; if anything, I see them as one step removed from powerhouses like SquareSpace or Wordpress (closer to the code, but with a lot of details abstracted away). Also, for the sake of accessibility and developer speed, anything from Reach UI to Tailwind should fit the bill for some.

Still, keep hacking away my friend! I'm right there with ya 😁

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nomade55 profile image
Lucas G. Terracino

This should be a post itself. Very good insight.

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Ben Holmes

Well, I took your suggestion. Decided to turn this comment into a longer-form post 😁

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Uriel Bitton

Good point, i general agree with most of the things you say. However, many beginners use css frameworks and that is simply self-damaging. CSS frameworks are best used by experienced developers working on large business projects alone without a team to help the developer. This i can understand. What i can't understand is when the framework is being used to build simple websites for clients and small passion projects.

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bholmesdev profile image
Ben Holmes

I totally agree; frameworks aren't the best fit for every use case. I've built quite a few projects recently without any frameworks at all since I'm a CSS warrior at heart.

Still, there's something to be said for utility frameworks like Reach UI on this front. These are perfect for nailing accessibility guidelines out of the box, but still leaving the door open for custom CSS on top. Very little is left to the imagination! It just gives you a baseline to work from, and guides you on custom styling (with documentation!) using simple CSS classes.

I really like the direction of these frameworks in particular over powerhouses like Material UI (which you probably had in mind when writing this post). Still, to each their own.

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Austin French

But many new developers also get thrown into the deep-end of a full stack.

When it comes to data integrity, solid business logic, a good view (HTML, Js) and CSS, writing custom CSS when something like bootstrap does most of it OoB... Choosing to write your own is potentially the least important and impactful to the product owner and technical leads. I'd agree with them most of the time too. Far too often the CSS is the worst written 'code' of an application. Where I go from "This site looks pretty good" to "Holy hell, how is this maintained?"

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🧸 🏳️‍🌈 cooper-codes 💻 🎮

Hell yes!

Let's delete the original post and replace it with this.

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San Lamamba

Very good of breaking down the problem 👌🏾

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Vaibhav

Yes correct. If we have infinite time then don't use css frameworks. The main aim of the framework and utility is to reduce development/designing time. End user don't care what you have or haven't use. Beginners should use css. But professional should use utility frameworks cause they need to get work done. Big fan of tailwind🥳

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Zen

I usually use Bootstrap for finish my projects fast. Then, no complain from clients. No problem.

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Przemyslaw Mejna

I hate all CSS frameworks but in real life all is about efficiency. Projects need to be done, there are deadlines. If you can do what is on the mockup with framework and that will make your task faster - why not? Of course if you will get a website mockup which will need custom solution - you will have to use CSS and make it this way. I think we need to work the way is best for us. That's why I don't tell anybody to not use a frameworks or work only with vanilla CSS because this is not my business

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mzaini30 profile image
Zen

I usually use all framework for finish projects fast. Like Bootstrap, Svelte, etc

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leob profile image
leob • Edited

But, isn't there a large amount of mundane "basics" (e.g. CSS resets, just to name one) which you then have to take care of every time? I don't necessarily have to have a complete framework, but unless I can start with some of those basics having taken care of for me (CSS reset, grid system, typography) I'd be afraid that this would slow me down (well at least the first time, when I have to sort it all out).

Apart from that, the arguments against CSS frameworks are much less valid against utility style frameworks like Tailwind. And no, even when using Bootstrap I'm in no way afraid of forgetting CSS :-)

Last but not least, I agree that this line of reasoning (don't use JS frameworks but use Vanilla JS, don't use CSS frameworks, etc) does become more compelling and realistic as browsers become more capable and the minimum browser support that you can build on is getting way better. Back in the days of IE8 I think people were relieved that frameworks took care of all of IE's quirks and bugs.

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Uriel Bitton

I definitely agree with you man, which is why i encourage to build your own frameworks or at least build your own reset styles framework. I use my own reset styes and a light framework that i designed from scratch for all my web projects. Trust me its so much more rewarding then using css frameworks. Now don't get me wrng if you're building a large business project website or app that requires a huge amount of styling then sure a framework may be a good decision. But my article refers mainly to people who use it for normal websites, and small passion projects. That's what i don't vouch for. Again this is just my opinion, i respect everyone's opinion in the matter!
Thanks for sharing :)

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leob

Totally agree, when I have got some time on my hands (generally I don't, haha) then I definitely would like to do that - build a small "foundation" (excuse the pun, haha) because I'm convinced you can learn a LOT from that!

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Giorgos Sarigiannidis • Edited

While personally I clearly prefer writing my own CSS (here is my reasoning), I agree with those who say that it depends on the specific use-case.

As others pointed out, if you are a developer with no design skills and no specific design at hand, then using a framework like material UI or Bootstrap is not only helpful, but I would dare say, essential.

If for whatever reason you want to write the less CSS possible, either because you hate it and/or because you are not good at it, then a utility framework like Tailwind might be your thing.

If you work on a big project along with other people, again, a framework might be helpful to keep the code consistent.

If, on the other hand, you have to convert a design from a PSD, XD or whatever to HTML, then, depending on the design's complexity, a framework might even turn out to be an obstacle rather than a help.

Also, I am a fan of avoiding frameworks when I have to build a plugin or a theme meant to be used by anyone and not for a specific client. On those cases, I believe that the less dependencies, the better (that applies to the use of vanilla JS instead of jQuery as well).

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Etienne Burdet

Let's be realistic: after your 10th job where you need to implement CSS tabs (or cards with header/footer, button with hover etc.), what will you do? Either copy-paste from old project, or start having snippet with parameters. Same with utility classes, same with spacing and typography.

Either way, you won't do it from scratch every job. In wich case you're just better off using a framework that does it well, with all the accesibility, style coherence etc.

Also:

  • much less need to document your CSS for your workmates. Somebody has already done the job and probably did much better than you will ever do.
  • The structure of components and utility classes will be easier to learn for your team—if not by yourself. By many orders of magnitude.
  • Why is this combination of classes not working?", "Ho, I need to fix that. In the mean time you can do this hack". Never get fixed.
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James Page

The problem is there are so many styling frameworks out there now where every time I join a new team or start a new project the project lead wants a new style framework everyone has to use. This makes it feel like "I'm doing it from scratch ever time", and I have to learn css all over again in the way the framework dev(s) want me to learn it.

As long as developers use good patterns and clean code, their pieces should be re-usable throughout projects and css should really be enough. We used to believe in good code... what happened :(

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Uriel Bitton

custom css always and forever :)

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Ami Amigo

Exactly! That's why you need your own CSS system/framework

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Uriel Bitton

Sure that's why i encourage developing your own css frameworks from designs you created yourself!

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Charanjit Chana

I personally prefer to steer away from resets and frameworks but the minute someone else gets involved in the project then a well documented framework is something I would seriously consider.

I’ve seen the advantages of using Bootstrap first hand. I may not have been in love with how it looked, but it enabled multiple teams to build rich interfaces while concentrating on functionality. We could deliver functionality quickly and there was still the ability to theme it if we wanted to.

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Chris DeMars

Forget a framework and utility library. Roll your own!

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Uriel Bitton

exactly my point, thank you!

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Jacko

I'm not an expert on CSS frameworks, so please correct me if I am wrong, but can't you customize the designs from Bootstrap into your own? You don't have to use the templates they give you. I know that requires knowing at least some CSS, but in the long run, the title says it all: a framework.

Like I said, I never got into using frameworks because I couldn't wrap my head around them, so please correct me if I'm wrong. Happy coding to you and everyone else. ^^

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Uriel Bitton

It is not meant to and it gets very complex to customize bootstrap css, there will be much clashing of styles, overriding issues, etc. Its a nightmare

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James Page

I would also add you are now required to use !important tags just about everywhere (which is something you should never use in a project done right)

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Uriel Bitton

exactly!

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Eka • Edited

If you work with web UI in any way (which includes, eg., as a frontend developer working in a JS-based framework), you have to be comfortable with--and proficient in--CSS fundamentals.

That's it literally.

Use a CSS framework, don't use a framework, use BEM/SMACSS, use CSS-in-JS, use a UI component library (one higher level of abstraction) if it helps you and your colleagues achieve your product's objective more efficiently. These technicalities are subjective decisions.

You can "be creative" and make "awesome websites" and have a unique-looking design and fast websites with any of those stacks as long as you have strong foundations on CSS, HTML, the web APIs, and your chosen tech stack.

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Nieuwe Pixels

I read pros and cons in the replies, still I think the point didn't cross over (I am assuming)

As for me I also stopped using frameworks and went more modular.

In short, i have a SCSS for building the grids and rows and then I build on top of that. Yes, I have some common files in place allready also for generic stuff like buttons, forms and such.

If this was the intention of this post I get it and I think there's a valid point to be made to at least evaluate the need for a framework.

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Laura Sofia Heimann

I actually never got 100% into CSS frameworks. I of course know how to work with bootstrap, but I know that I am personally faster writing it my own. Plus there is a lot less boilerplate-code and/or css overhead, which is also quite nice.

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Matthew Daly • Edited

Your designs will look generic, many people use bootstrap, tailwind, etc. They all look the same.

This is probably true in most cases for Bootstrap, but it's emphatically not the case for Tailwind - it simply doesn't work like that. There's no such thing as a Tailwind component the way there is in Bootstrap. Instead, each utility class is pretty much a one-to-one mapping to a CSS rule. This also applies to the issue about creativity - Tailwind just provides a different way to use those CSS rules that's more convenient.

You will eventually forget css and not be able to use it when css frameworks are not an option

This isn't the case for Tailwind either since it's quite a thin layer on top of CSS.

And you don't mention one common use case for Bootstrap - admin interfaces. Many applications I've built for clients have needed an admin interface, and you can't as a rule justify very much time for it, but at the same time leaving it unstyled is not an option and it needs to be presentable. Bootstrap is a good fit for something like this.

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Uriel Bitton

I have designed many admin interfaces using custom code, Why do you need to use bootstrap?

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Matthew Daly • Edited

You don't need to, but it's hard to justify spending much time building and styling an admin interface that will only ever be seen by a handful of administrators, especially when you're doing client work. Bootstrap provides a workable set of components suitable for this use case.

In an agency environment it's very hard to justify spending more time than you need to on an admin interface when the cost has already been agreed and deadlines often slip.

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Przemyslaw Mejna • Edited

Great topic. I see lately a trend of "working with CSS frameworks is the way. Forget the CSS". It started to showing up on some YouTube channels recently. My personal stance on this is: you do what makes you happy and makes your job done. Some people are saying that CSS is slow and that's why they use frameworks. Personally I disagree. Working with SCSS you can maintain your style and make it faster and more custom than with libraries. Most of the time... Which means that there are exceptions. I wouldn't say stop using framework as I wouldn't say stop using vanilla CSS. I see the points what you (the author of article) pointed out: people ignore CSS and go straight into frameworks not knowing the CSS itself. If people start their adventure with frontend - learning frameworks with not knowing CSS is not a good way. But if you are really good with application logic and code and your work might be kinda nice looking and same time generic because of use of framework - this is acceptable in fast paced environment. Custom approach usually will bring better results - but this is not a rule. And if some Devs feels more comfortable working with frameworks - as long as they achieve desired look and targets - go for this guy's. I will stay with vanilla - I know CSS well enough so can work at least as fast as with frameworks but I can make less lines of styling with that and make all custom. Just My preference.

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Manav Misra

Right tools, right job. If focus is on building JS apps (or whatever similar) and/or writing CSS feels boring and/or prevents me from being productive b/c I just don't want to do it (talking about a friend here - not me 😉), then using some type of 'CSS enhancement' is a good thing.
It doesn't have to be a full blown 'Bootstrap' 🤮 - but something (e.g. Tailwinds) that allows me to apply CSS knowledge without reinventing the wheel 🎡 every time and allows me a sufficient amount of customization (I like Bulma too), then sign me up! I will have a working, presentable app and focus on the parts that are most stimulating 🧠 for me, personally. Maybe it's fine for it to be 'cookie 🍪 cutter' and/or look 'basic.' 🤷🏽‍♂️
If, on the other hand, I am doing agency work for big dollar 🤑 clients, then they deserve a truly branded and custom-crafted experience, so I would strongly reconsider using "other people's CSS" (you down with OPCSS? 😼)
Whatever suits one's interest, especially for a hobby project, do it! 👍🏽

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Pete Steven

CSS frameworks are helpful to automate the work, but it deals with code directly.

I think a better automation are nocode tools because it doesn't pollute the code and keeps it clean. For example with Desech Studio you can automate the design to code flow by importing directly from figma, sketch, adobexd, and then you integrate with react, angular, vue directly.

This way you stay in the visual realm when dealing with html/css, while at the same time, be able to link to programming data attributes and hooks.

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Uriel Bitton

I have modified the title of the article to be less aggressive and made some edits as to my intentions weren't to force my opinion but merely to suggest and recommend.

I apologize if i offended anyone, it wasn't my intention at all!

We're all in it to help each other out, one love!

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Tim Smith

I think it depends largely upon what you (the developer) need and enjoy doing. I like designing things and having complete control over the styles of my projects. Not every likes design or has an eye for it, and that's okay. If design isn't your cup of tea or if you are prototyping and trying to get something up and running quickly, I don't think there's any problem with using an existing tool such as tailwind or bootstrap. I don't think there's any way that one can make a sweeping claim like "no one should do this" because not everyone is in the same place as a designer or developer.

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Rob Levin

You should use all the frameworks. Then you should build your own. Then you should use no frameworks. Then you should do all of this at the same time.

Seriously though, you can learn so much from code diving into these frameworks while also writing your own code. I'm the creator of AgnosticUI. But you know what. Feel free to not use a framework or snag a couple scripts you like in mine but add them to your own scripts. Learn core CSS. That's key I'd say. But yeah, I don't subscribe to the "never" or "always" or "use this not that" approach. Do it all 😄. It's like an athlete that never does drills. Or opposite only does drills and never gets match play in. You need it all. Figure out the balance that works for you. Learn the fundamentals. Build cool shit. There's no other way I can see that works ⭐ 💪 🙌

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altinmullaidrizi

I only prefer using Bootstraps Grid system, as that helps when making the site responsive.

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Uriel Bitton

fair enough!

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Matheus

Sup!

I agree with some points but I still like the idea that I don't need to reinvent the wheel to do something simple. I'm not the guy who likes to use pre-styled frameworks Bootstrap or Material UI, but utility frameworks are always welcome.

Here on my team, we've started with Tailwind CSS for a small internal project and this is teaching us a lot about how to organize our CSS file for our main product and how we should make it easiest to use for those who are initiating with us.

Great points btw, keep doing we think, bro :)

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Uriel Bitton

of course not that's why i always encourage to re-use your css code or even better create your own css framework!

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Muhammad Refel Hidayatullah

agree. but there is no harm in using the css framework, you will get new things from css framework. the most important thing is don't just use it but learn from it

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Andrew Baisden

Freedom of choice is good let people use and learn what they want.

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Uriel Bitton

100%, i don't force anyone to use or not use something. The title i agree was a little agressive but was only meant to instigate. I modified it slightly to be less aggressive.

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amiamigo97 profile image
Ami Amigo

You nailed it...That's why I am building my own CSS framework. One step at a time: monalidor.com/on-building-my-own-c...

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mzaini30 profile image
Zen

M- is cool

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lewiscarville • Edited

I found css frameworks useful when starting out as a dev. This changed as I got a few more projects under my belt, however. I got fed up with overriding CSS rules when trying to achieve the mission of pixel perfection while transferring designs from XD/Sketch/etc to a browser window. Redundant code introduced via unused rules or overrides from CSS frameworks hurt the performance of the app/website.

Dropping frameworks and writing clean and modular CSS (only the reset.scss would be copy/pasted across projects) to me was infinitely more rewarding and in my opinion made me a much better UI dev.

I understand that a lot of frontend devs have stronger foundations in JS and therefore CSS can be the least exciting part of a project, so in those situations I can see the big pro’s in using a CSS framework.

For me though, my favourite part of being a frontend dev is writing the styles/css. So for anyone else who shares similar sentiments to me and hasn’t tried creating a project without a CSS framework - I highly recommend giving it a go!

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joccoo profile image
Jovan

I can agree totally just don't forget, time is money.

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urielbitton profile image
Uriel Bitton

For sure! why not re-use your own css code? Or perhaps use a framework but not make it replace your custom styling for buttons, cards, navbars, etc.

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Ivan Jeremic

I use ChakraUI for React no chance to forget CSS since all props look like css.

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tombohub

I don't know man. With Tailwind I can clearly see what css is used so I don't think i will forget it. It also saves me time between switching back and forth the files.

 
urielbitton profile image
Uriel Bitton

Well if you're a web developer its a good idea to learn basics of web design :)

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Tom Streeter

But using a CSS framework frees up time to use JavaScript frameworks that duplicate the functionality of native CSS.

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Uriel Bitton

of course that's why i encourage to re-use your css code or even better create your own css framework!

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urielbitton profile image
Uriel Bitton

So why not create your own css framework and solve all the issues!