Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!
PrimeFaces vs Tailwind CSS: What are the differences?
Introduction:
PrimeFaces and Tailwind CSS are two popular frameworks used for building user interfaces on the web. While both frameworks have their own set of features and advantages, there are some key differences between them that are worth considering. In this article, we will explore the main differences between PrimeFaces and Tailwind CSS.
Component-based vs Utility-based: PrimeFaces is a component-based framework, which means it provides a set of pre-built UI components that can be easily customized and assembled to create complex user interfaces. On the other hand, Tailwind CSS is a utility-based framework, which focuses on providing a large set of utility classes that can be applied directly to HTML elements to style and design the user interface.
CSS vs JavaScript: PrimeFaces relies on CSS for styling and layout, while Tailwind CSS relies on JavaScript. PrimeFaces provides ready-to-use CSS styles for its components, which can be customized using CSS. In contrast, Tailwind CSS uses JavaScript to generate CSS classes dynamically based on the utility classes applied in the HTML markup.
Customization and Flexibility: PrimeFaces offers a wide range of customization options for its components, allowing developers to fine-tune the appearance and behavior of each component. It provides a rich set of configuration parameters and styles that can be easily adjusted. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, provides a more opinionated and consistent design system with limited customization options. It focuses on providing a set of predefined utility classes that can be combined to create various layouts and styles.
File Size and Performance: PrimeFaces is a feature-rich framework that includes a large set of pre-built UI components, which can result in a larger file size for the final application. While it provides a comprehensive set of features out of the box, this can impact the performance of the application, especially for mobile devices or slower internet connections. Tailwind CSS, being a utility-based framework, offers a smaller file size as it generates CSS dynamically based on the applied utility classes, resulting in better performance.
Learning Curve and Ease of Use: PrimeFaces requires some level of knowledge of Java and JavaServer Faces (JSF) framework, as it is built on top of JSF. This means that developers who are not familiar with JSF might face a steep learning curve when using PrimeFaces. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, doesn't have any specific prerequisites and can be used with any web development stack. It has a lower learning curve as the utility-based approach is more straightforward and intuitive.
Browser Support: PrimeFaces is designed to work across various web browsers, including older versions such as Internet Explorer 11. It ensures a consistent experience across different browsers and provides fallback mechanisms for unsupported features. Tailwind CSS focuses on modern browsers and doesn't provide extensive support for older browsers. It leverages modern CSS features and may not work as expected in older versions of some web browsers.
In summary, PrimeFaces is a component-based framework that offers extensive customization options and is suitable for Java developers familiar with JSF. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, is a utility-based framework with a smaller file size and easier learning curve, making it more flexible for different web development stacks.
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 PrimeFaces
- JEE Integration2
- Support Contract available1
- Nice Components1
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
Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions
Cons of PrimeFaces
- JSF1
- Some components have to be bought1
Cons of Tailwind CSS
- Priced14
- Cluttered html structure5