A Whole New World

21 Feb 2019

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How is Semantic UI?

When we were first started learning about HTML and CSS, I struggled a lot with CSS. There was just so may different properties that I needed learn. Some were straight forward like background-color, but others such as knowing the difference between padding and margins gave me a hard time. I just could not visualize what it would look like until I actually checked my web page. Sometimes I was completely off and used trial and error to make things look a certain way. And while yes, Semantic UI does have a learning curve, it’s not impossible to learn. I personally also struggled in the beginning. But with more practice I was able to find patterns that I would use to help me know which tool to use. Once I started to get a hang of how to use Semantic UI, I was excited to use it. I really enjoyed assignment where we got to pick a website to replicate. I learned a lot just by experimenting and observing which tool does what.

The Learning Curve

Learning to use a framework is very similar to learning a new programming language. There are different properties and methods that you have to learn. However, it is not an impossible thing to do. We all have proof as we all learned JavaScript. I personally believe it is worth the struggle if it will help us learn something that can make things easier in the long run. Knowing when it is an appropriate time to use it is the big challenge. For example the underscore library, sometimes it is very useful but in other cases it may not be. Semantic UI is similar to this. There are so many different classes that can make styling so much easier. But there are times when Semantic UI could make it more difficult. This all comes with learning. Once you get over that curve it is smooth sailing.

Conclusion

So it is worth it? Yes! I have an easier time designing a web page because of Semantic UI. There is still a lot to learn as figuring out what tool to use does take a while. However, in my eyes the time I spend picking classes is a lot less than me messing around with just CSS. (I appreciate that Semantic UI has a reasonable naming convention.) Using a framework that can do some work for me sounds like a win.

image from found here