Bootstrap: An Introduction

Bootstrap is a free and open-source framework modeled for CSS that enables responsive development in mobile and front-end applications. There are design template implemented that include JavaScript, CSS, HTML and etc., which make Bootstrap open in applications regarding forms, typography, navigation and many more interface applications. Bootstrap has become the “eleventh most starred project” on Github according to Github stats, and as of April 2022 it continues growing in the amount of users that support, contribute and employ Bootstrap. To get a good idea of what Bootstrap is and what it offers, in this blog we will be reviewing its History, Features, and touching upon its pros and cons in Web Development.

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History of Bootstrap

Bootstrap started originally as a framework at Twitter which aimed to bolster the consistency of internal tools. Before its implementation, there were many libraries that were used to develop interfaces, and this led to many inconsistencies and high maintenance burdens according to Twitter developers. After only a few months of development, developers at Twitter began contribution to what would become the Bootstrap project as part of a Hack Week. It was renamed from “Twitter Blueprint” to “Bootstrap” shortly after and became a released open-source project in August of 2011.

Other versions of Bootstrap include the following:

  • Bootstrap 2: Released in January of 2012, this new version of Bootstrap had built-ins for Glyphicons and several other new components. This version also supported a responsive web design which included dynamically fostered adjusts.
  • Bootstrap 3: Released in August of 2013, this version had a mobile first approach and allowed a new plugin system with namespaced events.
  • Bootstrap 4: This version released in August of 2017 included many significant changed such as major rewrite of the code, CSS Flexible Box Support, navigation customization, addition of reboot, and much more.
  • Bootstrap 5: This latest version released on May of 2021 also included many major changes to the Bootsrap platform. These changes include but are not limited to the removal of jQuery dependence, custom SVG icons, improved API, enhanced grid systems, RTL support, and etc.

Bootstrap: Features

Features in Bootstrap include many elements related to HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. These elements all share focus on the simplification of informative web pages. Bootstrap has features that allow it to provide basic style definitions, and this is included for all HTML elements. Furthermore, developers have the ability to take advantage of classes in CSS that allow further customization for content appearances. Bootstrap is also natively included with jQuery plugins that hold JavaScript components. This can also for further user interface elements such as tooltips, carousels, and etc. Prominent features of Bootstrap include its layout components, which are often referred to as a Container, as seen below.

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Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Bootstrap include time consumption, as Bootstrap has great documentation that allows for detailed specifications on components. This allows developers to quickly find documentation pertaining to issues and quickly resolve them. Cross-browser bugs are also not as prevalent with Bootstrap as being an open-source project allows any developer to submit code to fix current issues. This allows for faster consistency among new bugs and fixes. Lastly, Bootstrap is becoming a large part of the design framework, and knowing how to deploy it will be a great skill to add on to your resume.

Some of the disadvantages of Bootstrap include a style overrides. This is mainly due to SASS file compiling errors. This also can lead to developers creating bland interfaces as more work and time needs to go in further customization each page to steer away from the default style that Bootstrap offers. There is also a slight learning curve that may be difficult for new developers to grasp when first starting off.

Learn More About Bootstrap

To learn more about Bootstrap visit their website, to navigate blogs, docs, and examples of its implementation. The Bootstrap themes page includes the most recently added themes to Bootstrap that can help get started with customizing a website with your own style in mind. The Bootstrap Examples also offers a way for users to quickly get started with a project with examples using parts of the framework for custom layouts and components.

Stay tuned for a new blog post next week!