CSS frameworks represent the building blocks of many diverse web projects. A well constructed CSS framework or boilerplate can simplify and streamline the development of a web site. This type of framework quickens the pace of development by offering a structure of files and folders of standardized code (HTML, CSS, JS documents, and more). These frameworks provide a basis to start building a web site.
There are hundreds of devices that are used to access the web. These devices have different capabilities and constraints, such as screen dimensions, input style, resolution, and form. As more and more users access the web through different devices, in particular tablets and smartphones, developers need tools to build websites. The important of catering for different devices should not be underestimated. In a few countries, mobile web traffic has already overtaken traffic from traditional computers.
Some of the lightweight frameworks featured in this article are well publicized, but there are many good tiny frameworks that you may not have heard of that are perfectly suited for small projects.
The purpose of this article is to list the finest open source lightweight frameworks to kick start CSS and HTML projects. They help to save precious time by saving designers from writing base CSS styles, and solving problematic layout issues. They also have the virtue of lightweight CSS files which reduce queries and load, and benefit visitors on narrowband connections. All it takes is a few minutes to get to grips with these frameworks, and you will be able to design some awesome websites which conform with best practice.
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Let’s explore the 10 lightweight front-end frameworks at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| Lightweight CSS Frameworks & Boilerplates | |
|---|---|
| HTML5 Boilerplate | HTML5/CSS/JS front-end template |
| Pure | Small, responsive CSS modules |
| MUI | CSS framework that follows Google's Material Design guidelines |
| Base | Super simple responsive framework |
| sakura | Minimal, classless CSS framework / theme |
| chota | Micro (3kb) CSS framework |
| Tacit | Primitive CSS framework for dummies |
| Skeleton | Dead simple, responsive boilerplate |
| Picnic | Lightweight CSS library |
| KNACSS | Simple and lightweight CSS framework |
 Read our complete collection of recommended free and open source software. Our curated compilation covers all categories of software. The software collection forms part of our series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. There are hundreds of in-depth reviews, open source alternatives to proprietary software from large corporations like Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. There are also fun things to try, hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. |