Evolution of CSS Frameworks: From Bootstrap to Utility-First Design

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 02 | Page : 40 48
    By

    Riddhi Nahar,

  1. Student, Department of Computer Science Engineering, Rajasthan College of Engineering for Women, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

CSS frameworks have become integral to modern web development, offering developers predefined styles and components that simplify the design process, ensure visual consistency, and accelerate deployment. Over the years, these frameworks have evolved significantly: from traditional component-based architectures, such as those seen in Bootstrap and Foundation, to more flexible utility-first methodologies like Tailwind CSS. This study explores the evolution of CSS frameworks by highlighting the contrasting approaches of these widely used tools. The study provides a detailed examination of each framework’s architecture, strengths, limitations, and overall applicability. Key focus areas include development speed, customization capabilities, learning curve, performance efficiency, and the effectiveness of responsive design. Additionally, a comparative analysis is conducted using measurable parameters such as framework size, popularity, browser compatibility, and support for mobile-first design. By comparing traditional and utility-first approaches, this research aims to guide developers in making informed decisions when selecting a CSS framework that best meets the needs of their specific project. Whether building a scalable enterprise-level application or a lightweight personal website, understanding the trade-offs between these methodologies is essential. The study emphasizes aligning framework selection with both current development trends and project-specific requirements.

Keywords: CSS frameworks, responsive design, bootstrap, tailwind CSS, Utility-First CSS, web development

[This article belongs to Recent Trends in Programming languages ]

How to cite this article:
Riddhi Nahar. Evolution of CSS Frameworks: From Bootstrap to Utility-First Design. Recent Trends in Programming languages. 2025; 12(02):40-48.
How to cite this URL:
Riddhi Nahar. Evolution of CSS Frameworks: From Bootstrap to Utility-First Design. Recent Trends in Programming languages. 2025; 12(02):40-48. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rtpl/article=2025/view=217749


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 12
Issue 02
Received 23/04/2025
Accepted 13/05/2025
Published 13/06/2025
Publication Time 51 Days
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