What is Framework?

Framework is a basic and essential structure for any system. In programming, a framework provides a fundamental structure to support the development of applications for a specific environment.

These frameworks provide a common structure and hence save the time of the developers as they don’t have to do the code again and again. There is no need to do it from the scratch and they can reuse the code provided and cut out much of work.

Frameworks are of two types:

• Frontend –  Frontend frameworks (or CSS frameworks) generally inclusive of a package made up of a structure of files and folders of standardized code (HTML, CSS, JS documents etc.).
• Backend –  Backend frameworks consists of languages and tools or a set of files with libraries to access database, template structures in a web development environment. Responsive Frameworks use HTML5 and CSS tags. The demand of responsive web design techniques have publicized the responsive frameworks.

Let’s have a look at the following front-end frameworks.

1.    Bootstrap

Bootstrap is known to be one of the most popular frontend web frameworks. Bootstrap 3 edition is the latest available version. It has got HTML and CSS based design templates along with features like structured grid system, navigational element and a lot more. This framework has got a start-up guide which makes it great to work with.

2.    Foundation

Foundation is one of the exceptional responsive front-end framework. It can be easily used by a new user as it is easy to learn. It provide responsive grid and HTML and CSS UI components, templates, code snippet and a list of plugins.

3.    Pure

Pure is a simple framework being a small set of CSS modules. It only includes one file, the stylesheet. This framework has been developed keeping mobile market in mind including minimal style.  

4.    Skeleton

Skeleton is a small responsive framework for HTML5 websites and apps. Due to its light weight nature, it is useful in creating websites for mobiles, desktops, tablets and other similar devices. It has got button forms, layouts, tabs, basic UI elements.

5.    Montage

Montage is an HTML5 framework that has got the elements and features for building modern apps. It has got reusable components, HTML templates and declarative component model. Montage also has a feature for binding metadata which is called as Blueprints.

6.    Siimple

Siimple is a responsive CSS framework for minimal, flat and clean designs. The framework is indeed minimal as it have few lines of code which is around 6KB in size. Beginner might prefer this framework as it allows to experiment freely.

7.    Gumby

Gumby has got plenty for features which makes it an amazing framework for web development powered by Sass which a responsive web design company may suggest you. It has got UI kit, fancy tiles, flexible grids, toggles and switches responsive images.

8.    Semantic UI

Semantic UI is a popular framework because it is easy to use and it can be incorporated in other frameworks allowing the use of third party styles. It is a feature rich framework and its elements include buttons, drivers, collections and loaders.

9.    Cascade

Cascade offers both semantic and non-semantic grid layouts along with navigational tools, base templates, table designs. It contains a wide range of HTML and CSS based interface component, similar to Bootstrap and Foundation.

10.    Material UI

Material UI is a light weight CSS framework based on material design by Google. Its great material design library is awesome for designers.

Conclusion

Now you know about few of the top CSS Frameworks listed above that you should be using. But yes, there are a lot more frameworks out there which you can add in your list. When it comes down to it some frameworks are ideal for new, fairly experienced or proficient developers. Each has their pros and cons. It all depends upon you and your project’s requirement. Choose wisely.