Which is better for React: Bootstrap or Material UI?

In my experience working on various projects, I have encountered the situation where I need to incorporate a Material UI component into a bootstrap component. Surprisingly, this integration has worked seamlessly and the user interface appears as expected. Despite this success, I have received advice against using this approach. Can anyone explain the reasoning behind this caution? Both frameworks utilize grids and are flexible, so what could be the potential issue?

Answer №1

I have a tendency to be quite detailed, so I will provide a concise answer upfront:

Summary:

The idea that it's frowned upon to use both options may simply reflect personal opinion. In reality, declaring it bad to use both lacks consideration of the specific project at hand. As @user3770494 pointed out, while concerns about build size are valid, the decision should align with the application's scope. For instance, in an intraoffice setting with high-speed local network access, caching could mitigate any performance issues. Personally, I wouldn't criticize someone for mixing them unless it's for a massive multi-platform application serving thousands of active users globally with real-time updates and dynamic content around the clock.

Ultimately, if it's not critical, my suggestion is to explore using both options and even experimenting on your own. Embracing multiple perspectives can lead to deeper understanding compared to sticking rigidly to a single solution, fostering personal growth.


You don't have to read beyond this point - it's optional :)

In my experience, I've utilized both approaches in production applications (in combination and independently) and built solutions from scratch... (I must admit, CSS isn't my favorite aspect of my work, but luckily I have a talented coworker who excels in it). Here are some reflections:

Heads up: I tend to get verbose!

Disclaimer:

Functionality often outweighs aesthetics for me, as design minutiae requested by clients are sometimes trivial. I'll try to keep subjective opinions about appearance out of this discussion as much as possible.

Currently, I'm evaluating options for a ReactJS / create-react-app setup to develop experimental projects for touch screen embedded systems. I plan to create several demos like CC scanners, barcode readers, GPS integrations, etc., just for fun using a Raspberry Pi 3B+ board.

Solution:

  • If you have the time, resources, and dedication, there's no harm in blending both methods. However, weigh the investment against the returns. DIY for user satisfaction, even when combining styles, or start from scratch entirely—it's recreating the wheel, but incorporating Bootstrap styles is an option.

  • One caveat: If you do opt for both, ensure careful balance and avoid excessive mixing to prevent potential conflicts during version upgrades.

  • I appreciate aspects of MaterialUI but have reservations about its default aesthetic choices. Functionally, I prefer it to Bootstrap, but I find MaterialUI's React programming techniques less favorable. Having to resort to "!important" repeatedly due to styling conflicts is a major downside for me, compared to conventions my team follows. It's not a matter of better or worse; certain aspects irk me despite being designed with good intentions.

  • Bootstrap offers diverse customization options and integrates well with ReactJS. The presence of reactstrap vs. react-bootstrap prompted my search for the optimal choice for the demo projects I'm working on.

  • Lately, I've mostly stuck to one framework for production endeavors, emphasizing functionality over design intricacies. Since UI elements take a backseat in these projects, employing a single approach streamlines my workflow. When necessary, I override styles manually if the default ones are unappealing. My choice isn't rooted in the belief that using both frameworks is taboo; rather, it aligns with simplifying my processes. If bandwidth is unlimited, utilizing both frameworks selectively can enhance quality without bloating the codebase.

(I once witnessed someone importing the entire jQuery library just to utilize $.ajax extensively—seemed excessive to me!)—When combining frameworks, optimize compilation to import only essential components. Following a Pythonic principle, refrain from using "import * from module" in JavaScript, letting webpack/gulp handle such optimizations automatically. Assuming ES6/7 style JS usage.

Answer №2

During a recent project, I found myself in a similar situation and decided to leverage the strengths of both frameworks for different purposes. Given the nature of the responsive web application, Bootstrap proved to be the ideal choice for handling the layout aspects while I preferred using Material UI for implementing various widgets.

Answer №3

Utilizing both options is feasible, but there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind:

  • There may be significant overlap in features unless you meticulously select elements from each library, resulting in a larger overall package.
  • Maintaining consistent theming variables for both systems can be challenging, leading to discrepancies in the appearance of components like checkboxes.
  • You must familiarize yourself with and troubleshoot issues in two separate systems, potentially prolonging bug-fixing processes and decision-making on which library to use for various components.

In general, managing two different systems requires more effort and increases the likelihood of visual inconsistencies. However, incorporating simpler elements like a grid system with minimal theming variations may not pose as much of an issue.

If possible, it is recommended to select one system and commit to it for a smoother development process.

Answer №4

By utilizing both options, the size of your JavaScript production will be enlarged.

When deciding between Material Ui and Bootstrap, keep in mind that they offer components with similar basic styles such as buttons, so it's best to select just one.

You have the option to use Bootstrap grid solely for structural purposes or alternatively opt for flexbox.

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