The issue with the perfect choice of a web framework, we all know it!
In this post, I want to share some thoughts and experiences about this beautiful and powerful web framework.
Most of you are may familiar with Bootstrap and also like the Grid-System and like the components. But there are some parts of the framework what I don't personally like. So a good co-worker told me about Materializecss and I was impressed by the rich features and components of this framework, so I gave it a try.
Get Started
It's easy to get started using the framework. Materializecss can be downloaded from Bower or npm or you can use the CDM. If you want to use Material Icons, you should include the provided CDM of Google's Icons.
Grid
The Grid-System is similar to Bootstrap and easy to understand. You will get used to it very quickly.
Browsers love Materializecss
In common Browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge) the framework performs fast and without any error. There is a small issue with Edge: If you are using a side nav you will run into some issues. The browser hides the scrollbar and your users can't scroll through the navigation.
Design
I'm a huge fan of the Google/Android 6.0+ style. It's intuitive and easy to understand. Materializecss mostly orientated to this kind of style. So you won't miss any design element of the Material guidelines from Google.
But....
Overall the framework is good and easy to implement. But there is the issue with JavaScript. If you don't care about using as less JavaScript as possible then go for it! But when you are concerned about the compatibility issues with older Browsers or PC's then this framework is nothing for you. Most of the "cool" stuff is build on top of JQuery (Forms, Dropdowns, DatePicker, Modals, SideNavs, ....)
If you don't like JQuery: there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The developers of Materializecss working on a new Version without JQuery.
Link to the framework: http://materializecss.com/