Why is Bootstrap CSS framework getting less and less popular?

Question

I mainly see people creating Saas using Tailwind, DaisyUI, etc

Anbang Xu · Accepted Answer

Bootstrap's declining popularity may be attributed to the rise of more flexible and customizable alternatives like Tailwind CSS, as well as the increasing preference for component-based frameworks. Additionally, as developers seek more control over their designs and lighter, more performant solutions, Bootstrap's opinionated nature and larger file size have become less appealing in modern web development workflows.

murph · Answer

I think the whole point is that you're not memorizing a whole library of components, but rather a framework for thinking about modular design elements. Tailwind is designed to be flexible first, not something that has to be overwritten to be customized.

Answer

Tailwind CSS's flexibility and performance advantages over Bootstrap's opinionated nature are definitely contributing factors. Plus devs want more control over their designs these days and prefer component-based frameworks. Bootstrap's larger file size doesn't help its case either in modern web dev workflows.

Uldis · Answer

There are other options out there. Given the choice, some people will choose something else.

Two Heads · Answer

@duffdevone hmm that makes sense. Do you know any libraries for Bootstrap that do make Bootstrap more flexible?

murph · Answer

@twoheads I do not. Though I would consider tailwind the library for making vanilla css simpler and more flexible.

Derek Liu · Answer

I used to rely on Bootstrap for its responsive features a long time ago. However, with the huge advances in web development, like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and modern web frameworks, responsive design has become much easier with pure CSS.

Additionally, frameworks that embrace concepts like MVC and component-based architecture, offering various UI components and themes, have made it simpler for developers to manage projects without needing Bootstrap or jQuery. Yes, jQuery shares the same fate as Bootstrap.

Answer

Bootstrap's decline in popularity stems from several factors. As web design trends shift toward more unique and custom experiences, Bootstrap's recognizable "default look" has become less appealing. Modern CSS advancements like Flexbox and Grid, along with the rise of utility-first frameworks like Tailwind CSS, offer developers more flexibility and control. Additionally, JavaScript frameworks like React and Vue come with their own design systems and CSS-in-JS solutions, reducing the need for Bootstrap. Its relatively heavy footprint and customization challenges also make it less suitable for smaller or more performance-focused projects.

Two Heads · Answer

@anbangx but why is Bootstrap not flexible/customizable? You can overwrite everything right? Or do you mean Tailwind has a bigger component library?

Two Heads · Answer

@uldiscode hmm true!

Answer

Bootstrap's default styles are widely recognized, which can lead to a uniform look across websites. This has prompted developers to seek more unique design solutions.

Why is Bootstrap CSS framework getting less and less popular?

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