Tailwind CSS vs. Vanilla CSS: Which One Should You Choose?

Kawthar Abolade — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 18:15:11 +0000

Choosing between Tailwind CSS and Vanilla CSS can significantly impact your workflow, styling consistency, and project scalability. Both have their strengths, but the best option depends on your project’s needs and what works best for you.

My Journey with Tailwind CSS

I recently started using Tailwind CSS after completing a course on Scrimba. I also implemented it in a recent project for my HNG internship. However, one question still lingers in my mind: Vanilla CSS or Tailwind CSS?

After working with both, I have some insights to share that might help you make a decision.

My Thoughts on Tailwind CSS

I strongly recommend Tailwind CSS for fast-paced projects. If you have a tight deadline, Tailwind is a lifesaver. It allows you to write styles directly within your elements, eliminating the need to switch between HTML and CSS files in your IDE.

For example:

In Vanilla CSS:

In Tailwind CSS:

With Tailwind, you can write styles faster, making it easier to meet tight deadlines. It provides a structured approach, and since it follows a utility first methodology, you don’t have to worry about naming classes, just apply the styles directly.

Why I Prefer Vanilla CSS

While Tailwind is great for efficiency, I still prefer Vanilla CSS for full control over my designs and animations. I don’t mind writing custom styles because it allows me to be more precise with my design choices.

Additionally, Tailwind can sometimes make HTML look cluttered with numerous utility classes. I prefer to maintain a clear distinction between HTML for structure and CSS for styling.

These websites also improved my love for vanilla css

CSS Tricks and MDN Docs

Conclusion

When to Choose Tailwind CSS:

If you need to build a project quickly and efficiently.
When working on large scale or complex projects where maintainability is crucial.
If you prefer utility first styling and don’t want to name classes manually.

Check out Tailwind docs to learn more about tailwind.

When to Choose Vanilla CSS:

If you want complete control over your styles, animations, and layout.
When you prefer a clean and structured separation between HTML and CSS.
If you don’t mind writing more custom styles for precise design control.

At the end of the day, both Tailwind CSS and Vanilla CSS have their strengths and drawbacks. If you prioritise speed and structured styling, Tailwind is a game changer. If you want more control and a cleaner HTML structure, Vanilla CSS is the way to go. Personally, I lean towards Vanilla CSS because it gives me complete freedom without utility class restrictions.

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Why I Want to Be a Front-End Developer and How HNG Will Help Me Achieve My Goals

Kawthar Abolade — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:25:51 +0000

My Motivation for Becoming a Front-End Developer

During my school days, I downloaded a coding app on my phone, thinking it was a gaming app (lol). I would solve HTML and CSS challenges, which felt quite easy at the time, until we reached a point in the course where we had to do programming. That’s when I realized what we were learning was actually related to the game! I remember thinking, "Oh, this is my game." That sparked my curiosity even more.

This fascination led me to explore frontend development, where I could create visually appealing and interactive user interfaces. I started with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, quickly realizing the profound impact these technologies have on shaping user experiences. Over time, I delved deeper into frameworks like React.js and Next.js, eager to enhance my ability to craft dynamic and efficient websites.

What excites me most about frontend development is its unique combination of creativity and problem-solving. It's not just about making things look good it's about ensuring they function seamlessly and provide users with an exceptional experience. Each project presents a new challenge, pushing me to learn and grow as I aim to create both visually striking and user-friendly interfaces.

For me, frontend development is an ongoing journey of learning and improvement. Every new project is an opportunity to refine my skills and build something that serves real-world needs. I’m constantly motivated to learn more, experiment, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with the tools I have, all while keeping the user experience at the forefront of my work.

How HNG will help me grow in this Field

Portfolio Building: I have been procrastinating on building my portfolio for years now, but I’m confident that the projects I build during this internship will motivate me to finally put it together.
Hands-On Experience: Hng internship will provide real-world projects that allow me to apply my skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
Exposure to Industry Standards
Networking Opportunities
Skill Enhancement: I will have the opportunity to work on tasks that are challenging and push me to learn new things.
Personal Development: The structure and feedback I receive from mentors will encourage me to develop good coding habits, improve my problem-solving skills, and gain more confidence in my abilities as a frontend developer.

My Goals for this Internship and How I Plan to Achieve Them
Build my portfolio: This has to be the first on my list!

Become an hng finalist: This is the 3rd time I'm trying hng internship and I really want to survive this time and reach the last stage.

Work on real-world projects