Is it appropriate to use CSS frameworks?

Question

I am an average web developer. I just want to find out if CSS frameworks like the 960 framework are worth using. if anyone has, what are the pros and cons of using it. thanks.

Answer 1

It depends on what you will use it for. This will probably speed up your css development if you use it, but you lose a bit of flexibility.

In fact, this is the same for all these "frameworks", and not just for css ...

If you decide to work with a css map, I recommend reading this article.

Answer 2

There are two widely accepted options: 960 and blueprint . Both rely on grid-based layout . Both include CSS reset .

The advantage here, obviously, is that you get a more consistent layout in multiple browsers, and if you are testing Firefox, for example, you are more likely to look the same in IE. Since these structures are grid-based, your layout is also much cleaner and more aligned. Both have horizontal alignment, but vertical alignment or vertical rhythm are only supported on Blueprint.

The downside is that this may be redundant for your layout. If you need a simple three-column template, you can just go to CSS reset and a three-column layout template.

Personally, I found that using these frameworks gives me a lot of creative expression, and I did a lot with my layouts after adopting these frameworks than before, due to the cross browser CSS hacker. I use Blueprint because I find it very intuitive, but the 960 Grid System also received great reviews.

Answer 3

Yes, as a starting point, if you are ready to disclose material that is not relevant to you, and are happy to make changes to it. This is a great way to get started with layout / design, but it is useless if you then write a stylesheet that overrides the rules within CSS. Be prepared to customize it according to what you are working on.

As an aside, I really like bluetrip , which:

combine [s] the best of Blueprint, Tripoli (hence the name), Charter print stylesheet, simplicity 960.gs, and item icons