Good web developers work fast and efficiently, focusing on producing the best possible code with the least possible effort. This is especially true for freelance developers.
In this post, we'll introduce you to seven popular CSS frameworks that could help you save hours of work and produce better code and more attractive sites. You'll still need to research each of these frameworks to learn which one will work the best for you and your projects, but just knowing what's out there can be a real boost in the proper direction.
Blueprint CSS
Blueprint CSS promises to cut down development time, using a solid and easy-to-use grid system that supports even the most complex layouts and typography. Based on established design principles, this system has earned much respect in the development community.
960 Grid System
The 960 Grid System, developed by Nathan Smith, is based on quickly developing 960-pixel wide web pages in either 12 and 16 column layouts, which can be used individually or together. In the 12-column grid, the page is divided into 60-pixel increments, while the 16-column grid slices the page into 40-pixel columns. In both cases each column has 10 pixels of left and right margin and a 20-pixel gutter.
Elements CSS Framework
The creators of the Elements CSS Framework, describe it as "a down to earth" with the aim of streamlining web development and workflow. Elements' claim to fame includes being lightweight, having a collection of preset classes, a lightbox, and an "awesome" mass reset.
YUI 2 Grids CSS
Developed by the engineers at Yahoo!, the YUI 2 Grids CSS framework offers four preset page widths, six preset templates, and the ability to stack and nest subdivided regions of two, three, or four columns, making it an very flexible framework. Yahoo! also provides many examples and extensive support for the system.
YAML
Yet Another Multicolumn Layout (YAML) is a "bulletproof and flexible" CSS/(X)HTML framework that will help you easily create modern and flexible floated layouts. This is due, in part, to its modular construction, user-oriented functionality, and many presets. YAML also has pretty complete multilingual documentation, which is helpful for developers that are still learning English.
Tripoli
Tripoli is one of the open-source projects developed by DevKick labs, which has a mission to assist web developers and designers in building modern websites. Tripoli is a generic CSS standard for HTML rendering that is supposed to form a stable rendering foundation valid across all browsers, including real dinosaurs like Internet Explorer 5. Tripoli is especially helpful if your client insists on supporting older browsers.
Elasticss
The name itself, Elasticss, leads intuitively to its definition: flexibility. In fact, like most CSS frameworks, Elasticss should allow a large measure of flexibility while making it easy to develop eye-pleasing sites. In Elasticss, you don't have to remember or even learn "cryptic class names," rather you just express what you want.
Editor's Note: If you use another CSS Framework of merit, please mention it in the comments below, we would love to feature it in a future article.
