If you're looking for a good CSS framework for CSS beginners, look no further. This multi-part series introduces you to the BlueTrip CSS framework. In this first part, I will explain how to develop a basic web page design by using the core CSS classes provided by the framework. As you'll soon see, this process is quite straightforward, even if you currently don’t have a strong CSS background.
Introducing the BlueTrip CSS Framework (Page 1 of 4 )
If you've been keeping up to date with the latest trends that rule the world of modern web design, then surely you'll be aware of the growing popularity of CSS frameworks. Indeed, there's a huge number of designers who use them extensively in their projects nowadays. Frameworks allow users to build complex web page layouts that will be rendered consistently across different browsers, without having to create web pages from scratch.
As with other pieces of software aimed at reducing development time, CSS frameworks have pros and cons that should be carefully evaluated. Of course, one of their most significant pitfalls is that the CSS classes included with them lack true semantic meaning. Some purist designers will refuse to use frameworks for that very reason, but for others, this side effect will simply be irrelevant.
On the other hand, good and well-trusted CSS frameworks, like BluePrint CSS for instance, include truly handy features, like proven styles reset capabilities and the ability to create web page layouts using a consistent grid. In short, regardless of the opinions you may have (or have heard) about them, CSS frameworks are here to stay, and some of the most powerful ones deserve a close look.
In this group of articles I'm going to explore in depth the BlueTrip CSS framework (http://bluetrip.org), which claims to put together the best features provided by the aforementioned BluePrint CSS and Tripoli, yet another popular contender in this dynamic terrain.
Personally, I've been using BlueTrip CSS for a few months for building grid-based web page designs and I found it very easy to learn. Plus, it comes with a neat group of reset, print and text styles that will make your life much easier, especially if you need to develop websites with a tight headline.
Thus, in the next few lines I'm going to introduce you as gently as possible to building web page layouts with the BlueTrip CSS framework, so you can quickly start using it within your own web projects.
Are you ready to begin this brand new educational journey? Then let's jump in right now!