Bootstrap stands as one of the most popular, open-source, front-end frameworks on the Web. Since its official release in 2011, it has undergone several changes, and it’s now one of the most stable and responsive frameworks available. It’s loved by web developers of all levels, as it gives them the capability to build a functional, attractive website design within minutes. A novice developer with just some basic knowledge of HTML and little CSS can easily get started with Bootstrap.
Bootstrap provides a solid foundation for any website, irrespective of project size. It contains Reboot, which is based on Normalize.css and helps level out browser differences for various page elements. Bootstrap also provides great typography. Even basic HTML form elements like checkboxes, radio buttons, select options, etc., have been restyled to give them a modern look. I use Bootstrap because it saves me a considerable amount of effort.
Today’s websites should be modern, sleek, responsive, and “mobile first”. Bootstrap helps us to achieve these goals with minimum fuss. Here are the top five reasons why I love Bootstrap:
Reason 1: The Powerful Grid System
Bootstrap has one of the best responsive, mobile-first grid systems available. It’s built with Flexbox and it’s easy to use. It helps in scaling a single website design from the smallest mobile device to high-definition displays, logically dividing the screen into 12 columns, so that you can decide just how much screen real estate each element of your design should take up.
Although developers have CSS Grid Layout for layout building, the Bootstrap Grid component can still be handy for quick prototyping — at least while we get more familiar with the new native CSS tool at our disposal today.
Reason 2: Rapid Development
Bootstrap comes complete with many reusable CSS and JavaScript components that can help achieve the functionality needed in almost any kind of website. You just have to use some HTML to plug them into your template, with no need to spend huge amounts of time writing complex CSS and JavaScript. Plus, all these components are responsive, too!
Reason 3: Browser Compatibility
Bootstrap is compatible with the latest, stable releases of all major browsers and platforms. With regard to the Windows platform, Bootstrap works in Internet Explorer versions 10–11 and Microsoft Edge. If Bootstrap’s instructions are followed properly, you can create a website design that works in all these browsers.
Of course, if your employer wants to make a website that looks exactly the same in IE7–8 as it does in modern, standards-compliant browsers, then it might be time to think about switching jobs!
Reason 4: Customization!
Bootstrap offers many ways to customize its default design. You can override all of its CSS and default JavaScript behavior. Bootstrap is even more interesting if you’re a Sass developer, as it includes Sass customization options. These options let you smoothly create a new template using Bootstrap.
Reason 5: Open Source
Bootstrap is an open-source project that’s hosted on GitHub and released under the MIT license. This is one of the biggest reasons I use Bootstrap. My clients won’t have to deal with purchasing and licensing issues, and Bootstrap’s license gives me the freedom to completely change and experiment with it.
Want to Learn Bootstrap?
SitePoint has published my book on Bootstrap called “Jump Start Bootstrap”. It teaches you how to get started with Bootstrap. Apart from teaching you how to use Bootstrap’s components and plugins, it also covers how to customize them through options like Less and Sass. A major section has been dedicated to Bootstrap’s grid system, which is the most important aspect of creating a responsive website design. You’ll also learn to create many demo website designs throughout the book.
Hopefully you found this article interesting, and it has convinced you to try Bootstrap in your future projects.
If you’ve heard about Boostrap but have been putting off learning it because it seems too complicated, then play through our Introduction to Bootstrap 4 course for a quick and fun introduction to the power of Bootstrap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bootstrap
Why should I choose Bootstrap for my web development projects?
Bootstrap is a popular front-end framework that can significantly speed up your web development process. It provides pre-designed templates for typography, forms, buttons, navigation, and other interface components. This means you don’t have to start from scratch every time you want to create a new web page or application. Bootstrap also ensures that your website is responsive, meaning it will look good on all devices, from desktops to mobile phones. It’s also compatible with all modern browsers, so you don’t have to worry about cross-browser compatibility issues.
Is Bootstrap easy to learn?
Yes, Bootstrap is relatively easy to learn, especially if you already have a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The framework uses standard HTML and CSS syntax, with a few additions for advanced features. There are plenty of resources available online, including tutorials, documentation, and community forums, to help you get started.
Can I customize Bootstrap to fit my specific needs?
Absolutely. While Bootstrap comes with a set of default styles, you can easily override them with your own CSS. You can also choose which components to include in your project, so you don’t have to load unnecessary code. This makes Bootstrap a flexible and customizable solution for all kinds of web development projects.
What are some of the limitations of using Bootstrap?
While Bootstrap offers many advantages, it’s not without its limitations. For instance, because many websites use Bootstrap, there’s a risk that your site might look similar to others unless you customize it. Also, while Bootstrap is relatively lightweight, it can still add some load time to your site, especially if you use all of its features.
Is Bootstrap still relevant in 2022?
Yes, Bootstrap remains a popular choice among web developers. It’s regularly updated to keep up with the latest web development trends and best practices. The latest version, Bootstrap 5, was released in 2021 and includes many improvements and new features.
How does Bootstrap compare to other front-end frameworks?
Bootstrap is often compared to other front-end frameworks like Foundation and Bulma. While each of these frameworks has its strengths and weaknesses, Bootstrap stands out for its ease of use, extensive documentation, and large community of users. However, the best framework for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Can I use Bootstrap with other JavaScript libraries or frameworks?
Yes, you can use Bootstrap alongside other JavaScript libraries or frameworks like jQuery, Angular, or React. This allows you to take advantage of the features and functionality of these tools while also benefiting from the speed and convenience of Bootstrap.
What are some resources for learning Bootstrap?
There are many resources available online for learning Bootstrap. The official Bootstrap website offers comprehensive documentation and examples. Other resources include online tutorials, video courses, and books. Community forums and Stack Overflow are also great places to get help and advice.
Can I use Bootstrap for commercial projects?
Yes, Bootstrap is open-source and free to use for both personal and commercial projects. You can use it to build and sell your own themes and templates, or to create websites and applications for clients.
What is the future of Bootstrap?
The future of Bootstrap looks promising. The team behind Bootstrap continues to actively develop and improve the framework. They regularly release updates and new features, and are committed to keeping Bootstrap relevant and useful for modern web development.
![Syed Fazle Rahman](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1401561586936411_562636140454299_205160908_n-1-Edited-Edited-96x96.jpg)
Web Designer with over 6 years of experience, including user experience and front end development. Currently, CEO and Co-Founder of Hashnode, a network of software developers. Has published two books: Jump Start Bootstrap and Jump Start Foundation for SitePoint Premium.