In the world of web development, HTML and CSS have long been considered the backbone of building websites. HTML provides the structure, while CSS provides the styling. However, in recent years, there has been a growing sentiment that these tools may not be necessary for creating a functional and visually appealing website. Do we need HTML and CSS?
The short answer is no, you don’t, at least not in the traditional sense. HTML and CSS are tools to create something that’s already done. They are not the end goal. You need a suitable component that gets you the necessary visuals and functionality.
So, what do we mean by a component? In web development, a component is a self-contained module that encapsulates all the functionality and visual elements necessary to perform a specific task. A component can be as simple as a button or as complex as an entire page.
When using components, you don’t need to worry about the underlying HTML and CSS code. The components handle the necessary markup and styling, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture. This approach is often referred to as component-based development, and it’s becoming more popular in the web development community.
By using pre-built components, you can save time and effort while still achieving the desired result. Several libraries and frameworks provide various components, including buttons, fields, notifications, etc. Some popular ones include Bootstrap, Materialize, and Semantic UI.
It’s worth noting that while components may have been limited in terms of customization options in the past, new tools like Symbols have given developers full availability to change anything within a component. As a result, component-based development is becoming increasingly powerful and versatile, making it a viable option for even more projects, regardless of their size or complexity. As the web development community continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible with components.
Analyzing existing websites reveals a prevalent use of Lego-like components that cover the entire page. These versatile building blocks create visually captivating and immersive experiences as focal points for crucial information, engaging visuals, and interactive elements. By spanning the whole page, these components enhance the website’s aesthetic appeal while maintaining responsiveness across devices.
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