CSS Frameworks is not that hard to understand

Web developers are often heard talking about CSS Framework and its applications. One might wonder what it is in fact? I mean web is crawling with discussions over the pros and cons of a CSS Framework and then Twitter, a social networking site launches Bootstrap which leaves you bewildered whats all the fuss?

To understand a CSS Framework one must know what a framework is. A framework can be defined as a compilation of codes arranged to make a particular job easier. It merely acts as a tool to accomplish your work likewise a CSS Framework is a pre-coded software that uses Cascading Style Sheets meant to create a web design which is in tandem with the global standards. Apart from the grid system and design oriented features many CSS Frameworks also use functions based on JavaScript.

A Framework can be divided into a Front-end CSS Framework and a Back-end Framework. To choose the correct framework one has to understand the nature of the work. Is it design oriented or is it logic oriented? Frameworks can be for varied applications such as connecting the database to the HTML page using PHP, Ruby etc.(Back-end) or making the design and layout of the web page using HTML/CSS, JS (Front-end). Due to reasons solely based on general popularity only Front-end Framework would be discussed.

Front-end CSS Framework -

Front-end CSS Frameworks are in fact functions made up of standard codes and structured files and folders(CSS, JS)

They comprise of:

• CSS grid system which allows the web developer to arrange and manage the various element of website design in a simple manner.
• A database of various styles of Typography for HTML elements.
• Browser compatibility modules and codes so your website can be easily made compatible across different web browsers.
• The standard CSS classes help the developers to invoke advance UI styling into there codes.

Since advent of responsive web designs all the upcoming frameworks are responsive in nature i.e. they offer responsive websites.

Front-end frameworks can be further classified as simple and complex frameworks where the selection process is completely personal needs depending upon the versatility required.

Simple frameworks: Simply termed as “grid systems” these offer style sheets having column system which aids the arrangement of various elements pertaining to standard design. To name a few- Mueller Grid System etc.

Complete Frameworks: A potpourri of features like icons, buttons, forms, typography and many such elements built to provide a responsive web design having HTML templates, alerts, popovers, navigation, etc. To name a few- Foundation, Boilerplate, Bootstrap, etc.

Apparently, these CSS Frameworks rule the majority of internet and now that you have learned about them don't act naïve in front of your web designer and make your requirements clear.