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CSS Framework Basics Introduction to Front-End Frameworks Framework Basics Overview

Nicole Solis
Nicole Solis
14,469 Points
Posted by Nicole Solis
Nicole Solis
14,469 Points

To use frameworks or not to use...

As someone who is just embarking on a new career field, I've watched a few vids with Nick Pettit and he was saying how he doesn't go into writing a new site just with a blank document and no framework. I'd like to start by simulating creating websites for some local businesses that wouldn't need more than a static front page. Do I start out with bootstrap or foundation, or just open up a blank document and just begin?

Collin Berg
Collin Berg
33,471 Points

It's honestly up to you. Personally, I'm more familiar with Bootstrap.Research both, pick one and go from there. I haven't built a website without one in over a year.

5 Answers

Jacobus Hindson
Jacobus Hindson
14,429 Points
Jacobus Hindson
Jacobus Hindson
14,429 Points

As Collin said its really a preference thing but with Mobile first being important and the ease of use that frameworks provide I thinks it's good to use them.

There is a learning curve to use them but I have found it worthwhile. I too lean towards bootstrap but foundation or any other could work for you.

Much like your own skills and knowledge I would hope that your local businesses that need a 1 page simple site today might ask for products, services or who knows what expansion in the future. Saving yourself the time now and using a framework will mean you can easily expand with less coding. You could even port the static framework site to a CMS theme like WordPress.

Nicole Solis
Nicole Solis
14,469 Points
Nicole Solis
Nicole Solis
14,469 Points

Having just started learning about css rules over a month ago, I know that I don't fully understand what individual css elements go into creating framework classes. Is that ok, or should I have a better grasp of those concepts before using the framework 'shortcuts'.

Jacobus Hindson
Jacobus Hindson
14,429 Points
Jacobus Hindson
Jacobus Hindson
14,429 Points

I would strongly recommend looking at the Framework Basics course run by Guil, this covers Foundation 5 and Bootstrap to the point where you could use them with your existing CSS and HTML skills.

My personal motto is "Give it a go...what's the worst that can happen" you are working on a local development location so if you mess it up you are not hurting anyone, just extending your skills. Knowing what NOT to do is sometime as important as knowing Best Practice.

Hope that helps :)

Anthony Attard
Anthony Attard
43,915 Points
Anthony Attard
Anthony Attard
43,915 Points

Jacobus Hindson, since the question is in the frameworks basics section of the forum she has already started the Framework Basics course.

matsum0t0
matsum0t0
12,520 Points
matsum0t0
matsum0t0
12,520 Points

Beyond Bootstrap and Foundation I found http://html5up.net had some really nice free samples and http://getskeleton.com for a stripped down, bare-bones framework. Worth a gander.

garsan
garsan
2,592 Points

Hi, matsum0t0, I can not find that curse "Beyond Bootstrap and Foundation" on my library. Could you provide the link? Thanks!!

matsum0t0
matsum0t0
12,520 Points
matsum0t0
matsum0t0
12,520 Points

Hey garsan,

Sorry, it was a poor choice of words on my part. There is no course by that name. I should have said, " In addition to Bootstrap and Foundation I have found that the other listed websites have some nice free samples and frameworks." get skeleton.com is super-light and responsive, I like it.

Edgar Sánchez
Edgar Sánchez
7,656 Points
Edgar Sánchez
Edgar Sánchez
7,656 Points

Hi, Nicole!

So 1 month later, how did it go? Did you choose Bootstrap? Do you already have a portfolio? Regards!

Ahmad Faris
Ahmad Faris
1,656 Points
Ahmad Faris
Ahmad Faris
1,656 Points

There is also uikit ( https://getuikit.com/ ) , it seems to be getting better overtime and is on par for comparison with Bootstrap and Foundation ( https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2017/03/which-responsive-design-framework-is-best/). I hope the instructor can cover this framework in future courses, Guil Hernandez . Thank you!