Bootstrap Framework

MAY 16, 2018

Bootstrap has been one of the most trusted front-end frameworks of all times. It has a loyal audience who has been sticking around from the very robust “mobile-first” release of all times, i.e., Bootstrap 3. This overwhelming release holds the responsibility of creating one of the strongest communities ever. It’s fairly understandable syntax makes it highly approachable. All it requires is the basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.

The last stable release was back in July 2016 with Bootstrap v3.3.7. And it’s only preview release been that of Bootstrap 4.0.0 Beta version in August 2017. These data can very well justify the fact that Bootstrap has been putting in a lot of effort in terms of delivering the best possible results. If observed closely, one is definitely going to point out the fact that they have both of their versions available in the market. Although they have suspended work on Bootstrap 3 in order to intensify their work on the development of Bootstrap 4.

Bootstrap has been one of the most trusted front-end frameworks of all times. The latest Bootstrap 4 beta version got released after 2 years on 10th Aug 2017.

What has really changed in version 4? What it exclusive offers?

The latest Bootstrap 4 beta version got released after 2 years on 10th Aug 2017. Some might call it mostly a rewrite, but it does differ with its predecessors in many possible ways. Some of them are mentioned below;

Appearance & Outlook :

Although there is not any drastic change in the appearance. Yet, there are certain poignant changes like altered font implementation size, primary context colour, background colour. Moreover, Bootstrap 4 framework has stopped it’s shipping with Glyphicons. Hence, it is lightweight and also requires manual integration or some other alternative.

Reboot :

Bootstrap 3 had used Normalize.css in order to render all the HTML elements their consistent appearance. Bootstrap 4 adopted an enhanced version of Normalize.css i.e., Reboot.

Grid system :

Bootstrap 4 positions a lot of emphasis on customization. Hence, it’s new grid tier system lets the version 4 enjoy the presence of up to 5 grid tiers. One can easily say that Bootstrap 4 provides access to an improved grid system.

Flexbox :

Flexbox is one such layout model that permits the formation of complex layouts with ease. It can be used in order to scale elements or apply advanced alignment capabilities, horizontal as well as vertical. It does not replace the already existing page layout. Bootstrap 4’s major step towards improvement is its movement towards adopting Flexbox.

Plugins :

As in Bootstrap 3, plugins were divided into two categories, namely, a file including style rules and a Javascript file. There aren’t any poignant changes as to how the plugins are compiled in Bootstrap 4 either. In the latest version, style rules are composed using SASS. Whereas, plugins are available under global jQuery object as Javascript file contains a jQuery section.

Browser support :

Bootstrap 4 offers its immense support to all the major and renowned browsers of all times, like, Safari, Chrome, Opera and Internet Explorer (i8, and above) etc.

Utility classes:

In Bootstrap 4, new utility classes have been included without hampering any existing functionality, whatsoever. Such important additions are as that of responsive text alignment classes, responsive floats, and responsive embedding. Apart from offering many shortcuts, these, respectively, allow for changing the alignment of the text, floating of the elements and the scaling of the aspect ratio of any embedded media.

Upper hand in using Bootstrap 4 over 3 or Downside?

In the section above, we have talked about the features that Bootstrap 4 exclusively offers. Hence, in order to settle down this raging conflict, we have to pick one. In this Bootstrap 3 vs Bootstrap 4, we need to declare one’s superiority over the other.

Bootstrap 4, in our opinion, deserves to be rewarded as it moved to flexbox. This movement can be considered as one of the biggest and significant achievements of all times. This provided the following benefits;