Vanilla CSS vs Styled Libraries

luhan

Участник

Присоединились:

2024-07-23 13:21:19

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When styling your webpages, you have two main approaches: vanilla CSS and styled libraries. Both have their strengths and weaknesses; the best choice depends on your project's specific needs.

**Vanilla CSS** refers to using plain CSS code to style your elements.

**Styled Libraries** are frameworks or libraries that are built on top of vanilla CSS, offering features like:

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**Faster Development:** Pre-built components and utility classes can save time and effort.

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**Easier Maintenance:** Styled libraries often promote code organization and reusability.

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**Potential for Bloat:** Libraries can add extra code to your project, impacting performance.

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**Learning a New Syntax:** Some libraries introduce their syntax on top of CSS.

**So, which is better?**

Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

**Use Vanilla CSS if:**

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You need maximum control over your styles.

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Your project is small and performance is critical.

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You want to deepen your understanding of CSS fundamentals.

**Use Styled Libraries if:**

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You prioritize rapid development and code maintainability.

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Your project uses a popular framework like React or Vue that integrates well with styled libraries.

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You need pre-built components for common UI elements.

The team you work with is also a factor to consider whether you are to use vanilla CSS or styled libraries.

As a frontend developer, I have used styled libraries like scss, styled-components and chakra-ui. My favourite of them all is Chakra-ui.

Let me know which you have used and your favorite

jenny

Участник

Присоединились: 2025-08-24 15:11:06

2024-07-23 13:33:09

I remember once flunking an interview where they asked if I could write style components in react, that time I still be otondo, na so I dey looku looku o, until them carry the world cup away.

But yeah for this, I prefer styled libraries.

luhan

Участник

Присоединились:

2024-07-23 14:03:08

@"dhtml"#p1031 which styled libraries have you used and which is your favorite? People are currently giving plaudits to tailwind, but I haven't used it yet.

jenny

Участник

Присоединились: 2025-08-24 15:11:06

2024-07-23 14:21:24

@"luhan"#p1035 I have used quite a few: semantic ui, bootstrap, sass, less, material ui, and the famous tailwind. But strangely I seem not to have a favourite, i think it varies from project to project.
When working with react, I prefer semantic UI, but when working on php projects, I prefer bootstrap. My experience with boostrap is the highest, but in terms of elegance -- semantic and tailwind (cant vote for one over the other)

CassandraOliver

Админ

Присоединились:

2024-07-23 14:27:23

@"luhan"#p1030 Vanilla CSS
I love vanilla anyways…

jenny

Участник

Присоединились: 2025-08-24 15:11:06

2024-07-23 14:31:45

@"CassandraOliver"#p1037 Everyone does love vanilla, that is how we all start but as projects get more complex. I remember a project I worked on that has like 100+ pages, imagine if I have had to use vanilla to style those pages and components.