Hey guys, as the name self explains, this article is all about Bootstrap and its framework. So, today I will be listing all its pros and cons and we will get into a thorough discussion on using bootstrap framework.
Although Bootstrap seems to be the most popular HTML, CSS and JS framework for responsive development, some love it and some hate it.
So, to begin with let me just brush up the basics. Bootstrap is a free and open-source CSS framework that is directed at responsive, mobile-first front-end web development.
Bootstrap includes CSS & JavaScript based design templates that are used for typography, forms, buttons, navigation, and other interface components.
Why USE Bootstrap Framework?
1. Saves time and is easy to use!
Using Bootstrap, you can save a lot of time. You don’t have to spend time writing code, you can just use the Bootstrap predefined design templates and classes and put it exactly where they fit. That is why it is simple to use Bootstrap. If you have the basic working knowledge of HTML and CSS, you can start development with Bootstrap.
2. Customizable…
Bootstrap offers many ways to be customized so that you can make it your own. You can pick and choose what is needed and toss what is not. Bootstrap can be adjusted exactly as you want it and as your project requires. This is simply accomplished using the Bootstrap customize page.
3. Grid system–
Creating page layouts needs a good grid. Bootstrap has this benefit: one of the best responsive, mobile grid system. It is really easy to use and if you need to work through columns, then you are in the right place using Bootstrap. We can hide some content based on screen size. Adding a class such as .visible-desktop to an element will make it visible only for desktop users. There are similar classes for tablets and phones.
4. Consistency–
The problem that Bootstrap solved from the beginning was inconsistencies between designers and developers working on their projects. This is one of the main reasons Bootstrap came to be what it is: a central set of development code that solves the issues between the development front and the end-user front. Bootstrap’s results are uniform for every platform, it looks the same on all browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox).
Bootstrap ensures consistency regardless of who is working on the project.
5. Responsiveness–
The need to have a responsive website is very important. Creating mobile-ready websites with Bootstrap is very easy because of the fluid grid layout that dynamically adjusts to the proper screen resolution. If you shift from a laptop to an iPad, you won’t have to worry about your work. Bootstrap adapts to the change in platforms.
7. Documentation–
Another advantage of using Bootstrap is that it gives impressive documentation, examples, and demos that will make it easier to use for someone new. In this way, you can save time because you don’t have to play with everything to learn how to use it. Everything is in the documentation.
8. Open-source–
One of the main reasons to use Bootstrap is the fact that it is an open-source project, hosted on Github. You don’t have to deal with purchasing and licensing issues and it gives you the freedom to change it how you want it.
Why NOT USE Bootstrap framework?
1. All sites look alike
Bootstrap is popular and easy to use, therefore everyone is using it. Even if it is customizable, giving you the chance to make it your own, not everyone does that. The result will be a number of websites that look more alike than they should.
2. Sass support…
Bootstrap is built with LESS and doesn’t provide native support for Compass or SASS. LESS is ok, but a lot of people are feeling uncomfortable due to their addiction to SASS. Although it may be a big ‘NO’ for some people, others have thoughts of workarounds, creating Sass Bootstrap and a Bootstrap for Compass gem.
3. It’s incredibly heavy!
Bootstrap will help you to build an attractive, responsive website, but some mobile users could be turned away by the slow loading time and battery drain issues. Bootstrap comes with a lot of lines of CSS and JS, which is a good thing, but also a bad thing because of the bad internet connection. And there’s also the problem with the server that will take all the heat for using such a heavy framework.
So, will you use it? Or not?
