Bootstrap & the Emergence of CSS Frameworks

Recently I made a new discovery of another wonderful CSS Framework just release from Twitter called Bootstrap. If you are not used to CSS Frameworks you should first check out 960.gs. Using 960 was my first experience implementing a CSS framework into one of my projects. The bottom line is, using a CSS framework is just a best way to speed up rapid web development.

I want to quote one of my peers Ronald McQueen who works as a web developer over at AAA. He told me "960 was a lifesaver!!!!". Well Ron if you loved 960, you are going to be head over heels about Bootstrap. The development team over at Twitter hit a home run with this one. And for you mobile web developers who like the Less Framework you don't have to stop using it because Bootstrap was built on top of it.

Bootstrap for Business

As the Senior Front End & GUI Developer where I work I have been emphasizing the necessity of moving from developer specific, fragmented CSS which can be all over the place to a organized and efficient CSS framework. We started this journey at my place of Employment which is with a Major Health Insurance Company. I started implementing 960 in July 2011 on our huge intranet applications that we have started to upgrade last year. When dealing with large complex business applications that thousands of users depend on that must have a responsive and user friendly interface a grid system is a perfect fit.

Limitations of Older CSS Frameworks

But the limitations to  960 was that it was mainly just for layout, Bootstrap does everything and you can imagine building very beautiful web applications with just one CSS framework. I am currently building a messing system simlar to the one you see on LinkedIn. And because I have to deal with a lot of non-techies who don't understand how to build the technologies they use. The thing they spend the most time bothering me with is design issues. Even though I feel they sometimes pick on me. Most of their design concerns can be taken care of with a Framework. Because creating themes for your applications can help reduce the constant feedback you receive from your non-techies vendors, or employers Bootstrap is the perfect way to build a beautiful web or mobile web app in the same time you could when using  Less  or  960 . 


Finally, if you are a developer who is just starting to get into JavaScript, jQuery, and jQueryUI. Bootstrap will make your life a whole lot easier and speed up your learning curve.  Also, for you advance JavaScript programmers using Backbone.js, Knockout.js, or any other JavaScript utility you will appreciate incorporating Bootstrap in your template building process.