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Bootstrap Vue vs Tailwind CSS: What are the differences?
Introduction
Bootstrap Vue and Tailwind CSS are two popular CSS frameworks that are used for building user interfaces in websites. While both frameworks have their own unique features and advantages, there are several key differences between them that can impact the choice of framework for a project.
Class-based vs Utility-based: One of the major differences between Bootstrap Vue and Tailwind CSS is their approach to styling. Bootstrap Vue follows a class-based approach, where pre-defined classes are used to style elements. On the other hand, Tailwind CSS uses a utility-based approach, where utility classes are used to apply specific styles directly to elements. This means that in Bootstrap Vue, you would use classes like "btn" or "text-center" to style elements, while in Tailwind CSS, you would use classes like "bg-blue-500" or "text-center" to apply specific styles.
Customization: Another key difference between Bootstrap Vue and Tailwind CSS is the level of customization they offer. Bootstrap Vue provides a set of pre-designed components and styles which can be easily customized through variables and Sass files. In contrast, Tailwind CSS is highly customizable and allows you to generate a unique and custom design by configuring its utility classes. This makes Tailwind CSS more flexible and suitable for projects that require a highly customized design.
Size: Size is another factor that sets Bootstrap Vue and Tailwind CSS apart. Bootstrap Vue has a larger file size due to the inclusion of pre-designed components and styles. This can impact the website's performance, especially on slower internet connections. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, has a smaller file size as it focuses on providing utility classes, which reduces the overall size of the CSS file. This makes Tailwind CSS a better choice for projects where file size and performance are crucial.
Learning Curve: The learning curve for both frameworks also differs. Bootstrap Vue has a more straightforward learning curve as it provides pre-designed components and a well-documented API. Developers familiar with HTML and CSS can quickly start using Bootstrap Vue to build responsive websites. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve as it requires understanding and memorizing the different utility classes that exist in its framework. This can take some time to master, especially for developers who are not already familiar with the framework.
Opinionated vs Configurable: Bootstrap Vue is considered to be more opinionated, providing a specific set of design and style choices out-of-the-box. This can be beneficial for projects that need a quick and consistent design implementation. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, is highly configurable and allows you to make design decisions from scratch. This makes Tailwind CSS suitable for projects that require a unique and customized design implementation.
Flexibility vs Convention: Bootstrap Vue follows a convention-based approach, where it provides a set of predefined rules and guidelines for building websites. This can be helpful for developers who prefer a structured and predictable development process. In contrast, Tailwind CSS provides more flexibility in terms of how you structure and write your CSS. This can be advantageous for developers who are experienced in CSS and prefer a more flexible and customizable approach.
In summary, Bootstrap Vue and Tailwind CSS differ in their approach to styling, customization options, file size, learning curve, level of opinionation, and flexibility. The choice between the two frameworks depends on the specific requirements of the project, including the need for customization, performance, learning curve, and personal development preferences.
I am planning to redesign my entire application, which is currently in Bootstrap. I heard about Tailwind CSS, and I think its really cool to work with. Is it okay if I use Bootstrap and Tailwind together? I can't remove Bootstrap altogether, as my application is using the js dependencies of Bootstrap, which I don't want to disturb.
Factually talking about systems, we gotta make two bold headlines about each one: Bootstrap has been around for a while, has a vast community and much probably will not be gone in a while. Tailwind in the other hand, is the trendy framework starting from the past year. Referring to UI, I really prefer Tailwind, however I can't ignore the fact that a lot of libraries that emerged felt short in the end after a few years (a point where Bootstrap kept his status).
You are able to use both them together but I advise you — it will be a mess. And you gotta hope that you won't have any kind of conflicts between class naming and other general styling.
My recommendation would be to use one and only one. Perhaps rebuild the UI with a specific framework in mind, otherwise you will start to workaround things of both frameworks to contradict each other - and your team (if you work with one) will hate you.
You might have heard about bootstrap 5. Bootstrap is now totally jQuery free. i have tried foundation and bulma too. but eventually fall again for bootstrap, as it is most convenient and stable. i use bootstrap with less or sass.
I use both of these regularly. If you're going to have to use Bootstrap due to your js dependencies, stick with Bootstrap. I actually prefer Tailwind, but trying to use both of them and make them "play nice" feels like making things more complex with no real benefit.
EDIT: Sorry for the late response, I just noticed how old this is. StackShare sent me this in an email for some reason so I assumed it was relatively fresh.
We are re-modifying the existing portal to the new one. Looking out for a CSS framework where over-rides are possible, the performance of page loading, extendable, etc Please suggest between tailwind, UIkit and bootstrap frameworks explaining in detail on different factors. I request your help on the same.
Hey Sai, My thoughts on UIkit - It's beautiful, fast, and it has good animation too. Why would I choose it ? Nothing other than giving the internet a new look .
My thoughts on Bootstrap - it's beautiful, if used well. It's very fast and has clean class naming convention unlike Uikit. Why I would choose it ? It's been tested and trusted, I can find a whole lot of resources and a community around it. Also with the type of project you working on I bet Bootstrap would do the job .
Now, considering Tailwind, it's seen as a classic, simple-to-set-up tool with clean utilities. I wouldn't think of tailwind the way I would to Bootstrap or UIkit. What do I mean ? Tailwind is more like a tool set to create your own design flow. Tailwind allows you to build unique design elements, offering you a level of customization that may be unmatched by the other frameworks.
My final thoughts.
If you have the time , setup and use tailwind it will give you a great chance when it comes to customization and performance.
I'm a big proponent of Tailwind and I personally use it whenever I get the chance, mostly because it's not really a UI-kit, but it sounds like in this case a UI-kit like Bootstrap with pre-defined components is more what you are looking for. Bootstrap is (relatively) extendable and overridable and makes it really simple to make a decent looking UI using a handful of pre-defined classes, whereas with Tailwind you configure the classes and create your own components. My main reason for replacing Bootstrap in my workflow is that it feels like the component creation has become so abstracted from the developer that any meaningful customization becomes a chore, resulting in many websites having the generic "Bootstrap-look". Nonetheless, it is effective for creating a pleasant and responsive UI. Though, I don't have any experience with UIkit.
I do prefer to write things from scratch however when it came to wanting to jump-start the frontend, I found that it was taking me a lot longer hence why needing to use something very fast.
Bootstrap was the boom when it came out, I didn't like it, to be honest, set in its way and a pain to over-ride and in addition, you can tell from a distance if you're using boostrap and as everything looks the same.
I came across Tailwind CSS as I wanted more dynamic features, you could say, I've been now doing it for a few days and I love it a lot. I've been practising with the full stack part installed but I an't we wait until I do a new project, and I'll e able to select exactly what I want. Much faster.
Pros of Bootstrap Vue
- Vue9
- Open Source8
- ARIA Accessibility out of the box4
- Maintained4
- Not tied to jQuery3
- Easily themable3
- Customizable via SASS variables3
- Bootstrap v4.x3
- Nuxt.js Integration3
- Active development3
Pros of Tailwind CSS
- Highly customizable44
- Quick setup33
- Utility first styles, its amazing30
- Versatile24
- Great docs23
- Customizable16
- Fast16
- Consistent15
- Very light11
- Semantic11
- Open source11
- Responsive9
- Easy Tree shaking with Tailwind CLI1
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Cons of Bootstrap Vue
Cons of Tailwind CSS
- Priced14
- Cluttered html structure5