Skeleton vs Tailwind CSS: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Skeleton and Tailwind CSS.

1. CSS Class Naming: Skeleton uses simple and intuitive class names that are easy to understand and remember. For example, the class "container" is used to create a container element. On the other hand, Tailwind CSS uses descriptive class names based on its utility-first approach. It provides a wide range of utility classes to create custom styles and designs.

2. CSS File Size: Skeleton CSS is lightweight and has a smaller file size compared to Tailwind CSS. It focuses on providing a basic set of styling for common elements, resulting in a smaller CSS file. In contrast, Tailwind CSS provides a comprehensive set of utility classes, resulting in a larger CSS file size.

3. Customization: Skeleton CSS offers limited customization options and relies more on predefined styles. It provides a set of default styles that can be easily overridden if needed. On the other hand, Tailwind CSS allows extensive customization using its utility classes. It provides a range of utility classes to customize almost every aspect of the design, giving developers more control and flexibility.

4. Flexibility vs Opinionated: Skeleton CSS follows a more opinionated approach where it provides a predefined set of styles and layout options. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, follows a more flexible approach. It provides a wide range of utility classes that can be combined to create custom styles and layouts. This flexibility allows developers to create highly customized designs.

5. Availability of Components: Skeleton CSS provides a basic set of styles and components for common UI elements like buttons, forms, and grids. These components are designed to be lightweight and easy to use. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, does not provide pre-designed components out of the box. It focuses on providing utility classes that can be used to build custom components.

6. Browser Support: Skeleton CSS supports a wide range of browsers including older versions of Internet Explorer. This makes it suitable for projects that require backward compatibility. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, does not officially support older versions of Internet Explorer. It focuses on modern and up-to-date browser support.

In summary, Skeleton CSS is a lightweight framework with simpler class names and limited customization options, while Tailwind CSS is a more comprehensive framework with extensive customization options and utility classes for flexible designs.