Bootstrap and Bulma share so many similarities, both open sourced CSS frameworks. Both are fully responsive and obviously open source. Bulma was created by Jeremy Thomas as an alternative to Bootstrap. I see the key differences between the two coming down to these factors:
- Bootstrap has focus and heavy use of jQuery.
- Bulma is all about using no Javascript.
- Bootstrap has a big community and plenty of answers to your questions/problems.
- Bulma is about simplicity, less classes but still custom.
- Bulma is modular, choose and use what you need.
Now essentially Bulma is a cut down, simplified, Javascript free version of bootstrap, they do look very similar. The simplified standouts because Bootstrap is already very simple. With Bootstrap you can easily Google (stackoverflow) and find answers or ways to do certain things, with Bulma this may not always be the case. Bulma states its always up to date on the latest browser technologies and flexbox features.
An example of Bulmas simplicity is creating columns:
<div class="columns"> <div class="column">1</div> <div class="column">2</div> </div>
How easy is that?! But then again Bootstrap isn’t exactly rocket science to Bulma, it’s still pretty simple.
To choose between the two?
If you want a simplified, lightweight CSS framework that is up to date then Bulma is the go. Wanting to just roll through and get the job done? stick with Bootstrap, never fix something that aint broke.
If you want to try something different and refreshing then go ahead and try Bulma, everyday it’s getting more features and capabilities!