Advantage of using a css framework

Question

Hi,

I have been thinking of using a css framewrok as many web designers use it. They say that it is good etc. etc. But is there any real advantage of using a css framework like 960 gs or blueprint? Will it make my life easier? Do these frameworks consider the devilish IE?

Any insights will be helpful.

Thanks,

Gaurav

Answer 1

It depends. If you are learning CSS or the project doesn't require a lot of styling, I think you shouldn't use a CSS framework. Also, if you want to create a very unique or specific styling, it won't help you a lot.

However, if you are experienced with CSS and the project is large a CSS framework may help you to save time and problems.

And yes, they consider IE.

Answer 2

Many frameworks include Reset-Rules, which is a single stylesheet (Generally Meyers' or a derivation of it) that balances out the rendering of elements across multiple browsers. Now, if you decide to use a CSS Framework or not, you SHOULD use a Reset.

I've only really used 960, and I must say that I enjoy it. The cool thing is that your layout is laid out with classNames that contain numerical-values, meaning you could programmatically determine a new layout if you like - simple math. It also makes developing a complicated layout much faster in many cases. Nettuts did a video of 960 some time back called "A Detailed Look at the 960 CSS Framework."

Do you NEED a framework? No. Do they help? In many cases. At the very least, I would encourage you to download 960 and play with it, and from now on start using at least a Reset.

Example of 960 Markup and Class Names:

<div class="container_12">
    <div class="grid_7 prefix_1">
        <div class="grid_2 alpha">
            ...
        </div>
        <div class="grid_3">
            ...
        </div>
        <div class="grid_2 omega">
            ...
        </div>
    </div>
    <div class="grid_3 suffix_1">
        ...
    </div>
</div>