DaisyUI vs. Flowbite

DaisyUI vs. Flowbite#

DaisyUI is a lightweight, pure CSS component library for Tailwind that provides semantic class names for common UI components. It’s focused on simplicity and customization through class-based approaches with zero JavaScript dependencies.

Flowbite is a more comprehensive UI component library that includes both CSS and JavaScript components. It’s built on top of Tailwind CSS and provides interactive components with built-in functionality.

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Key Differences#

Component Implementation

  • DaisyUI: Pure CSS components with semantic class names

  • Flowbite: Mix of CSS and JavaScript with more complex interactive components

    Dependencies

  • DaisyUI: No JavaScript dependencies, purely CSS-based

  • Flowbite: Requires JavaScript for interactive components like dropdowns, modals, etc.

    Learning Curve

  • DaisyUI: Simpler to learn with semantic class names (e.g., btn btn-primary)

  • Flowbite: Steeper learning curve due to additional JavaScript APIs and configuration

    Bundle Size

  • DaisyUI: Lighter weight since it’s CSS-only

  • Flowbite: Larger bundle size due to included JavaScript

    Component Variety

  • DaisyUI: Focuses on basic UI components and styling

  • Flowbite: Offers more complex components like datepickers, carousels, and charts

    Customization

  • DaisyUI: Easier theme customization through CSS variables and built-in theme system

  • Flowbite: More complex customization requiring both CSS and JavaScript modifications

Installation & Setup#

Install & Configure DaisyUI

// DaisyUI
npm install daisyui
// tailwind.config.js
module.exports = {
    plugins: [require("daisyui")]
}

Install & Configure Flowbite

// Flowbite
npm install flowbite
// tailwind.config.js
module.exports = {
    content: [
        "./node_modules/flowbite/**/*.js"
    ],
    plugins: [require('flowbite/plugin')]
}

Usage Examples#

DaisyUI#

<button class="btn btn-primary">Click me</button>
<div class="card">
    <div class="card-body">
        <h2 class="card-title">Simple Card</h2>
    </div>
</div>

Flowbite#

<button type="button" class="text-white bg-blue-700 hover:bg-blue-800 focus:ring-4 focus:ring-blue-300 font-medium rounded-lg text-sm px-5 py-2.5">Click me</button>
<div class="max-w-sm p-6 bg-white border border-gray-200 rounded-lg shadow">
    <h5 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-bold tracking-tight text-gray-900">Simple Card</h5>
</div>

Conclusion#

  • DaisyUI: Better for simpler projects where you want quick, lightweight styling without JavaScript functionality

  • DaisyUI: Large community, focused on CSS-based solutions

  • Flowbite: Better for complex applications requiring rich interactive components and built-in functionality

  • Flowbite: Growing community, more comprehensive documentation for interactive components