Choosing the best component libraries for Next.js v13 & Tailwind CSS

When it comes to developing common components -such as buttons, inputs, tabs, tables, among others- or either creating complex components as hero sections, pricing cards, or multi component layouts, using a component library can greatly simplify the process. In this blog post, we will explore the most compatible libraries available for the newest Next.js version among Tailwind CSS in 2023. We will discuss the advantages of using a library, how to choose the most suitable one, and review some popular options.

Let’s get started!

 

Why should I use a component library?

The rapid evolution of web technologies and the increasing complexity of modern applications demand efficient and streamlined development processes. These libraries provide a solution by offering a wide range of pre-built components and tools that enable developers to build robust and visually appealing user interfaces easily. Let's take a look at some of their main advantages:

1. Easy installation: libraries are straightforward to install, getting you up and running quickly.

2. Time-Saving: leveraging pre-built components eliminates the need to reinvent the wheel, resulting in increased and checked efficiency.

3. Design consistency: libraries ensure uniformity in styles across the application, aligning visual elements seamlessly.

4. Ready-Made functionality: many libraries come bundled with common functionalities, allowing you to implement complex features effortlessly.

5. Streamlined development: libraries are developed and maintained by large teams or either open source software, ensuring clean code, bug fixes, and ongoing improvements.

6. Code reusability: by using a library, you avoid redundant code, promoting cleaner, scalable and maintainable projects.

 

Key considerations for selecting the right library

Selecting the most suitable library for your project involves considering several factors. In our case, we focused on libraries compatible with React, Next.js, and Tailwind CSS, among TypeScript support. Here are some criteria we selected to make our decision:

1. Ease of use: look for libraries with intuitive APIs and clear documentation, making it easier to get started.

2. Cost: determine whether the library is free or has any associated costs.

3. Customizability: consider whether the library allows for customization to match your project's specific requirements.

4. Community support: it would make a great difference between an active and supportive community and an unenthusiastic one. 

5. Component variety: evaluate the range and diversity of components offered by each library.

6. Learning curve: assess how quickly you can learn and become proficient using the library.

7. Prerequisites: check if any specific dependencies or configurations are needed for each library.

 

A closer look at the most popular styling libraries 

After conducting extensive research and delving into the usage, pros, and cons of various frontend libraries, we have identified the most suitable choices for Next.js applications. With the mentioned criteria in mind, we carefully selected a handful of tools and libraries that have gained significant popularity and widespread adoption within the developer community.

Let's take a closer look and explore their features, advantages, and any potential limitations considering our tech stack. We aim to provide you with valuable insights and guidance to assist in your decision-making process when choosing the most appropriate libraries.

 

1- Tailwind CSS:

Tailwind CSS is a CSS class-oriented library that simplifies frontend development. It allows developers to apply pre-defined class names to components, enabling rapid styling and customization. It takes a few steps installing and configuring the basic theme. 

const Button = ({ text, onClick, className }) => {
  return (
   <button
     onClick={onClick}
     className={`px-4 py-2 rounded-md bg-blue-500 text-white ${className}`}
   >
     {text}
   </button>
 );
};


export default Button;

One of the main advantages of Tailwind CSS is its high level of customization and extensibility: developers can easily modify and extend the library's utility classes to suit their specific project needs. Additionally, Tailwind CSS promotes code reduction by eliminating the need for writing repetitive CSS code.

This, in turn, supports safe refactoring and makes the codebase more maintainable. However, one potential drawback is that mixing HTML and CSS in this manner may require some time to learn and understand the library's predefined classes and initial setup.
 

2- Flowbite:

Flowbite is an open-source UI component library based on Tailwind CSS. It provides a comprehensive collection of components that can be imported and customized using props.

'use client';


import { Button } from 'flowbite-react';


export default function DefaultButtons() {
 return (
   <>
     <Button>
       Default
     </Button>
     <Button color="gray">
       Gray
     </Button>
     <Button color="dark">
       Dark
     </Button>
     <Button color="light">
       Light
     </Button>
     <Button color="success">
       Success
     </Button>
     <Button color="failure">
       Failure
     </Button>
     <Button color="warning">
       Warning
     </Button>
     <Button color="purple">
       Purple
     </Button>
   </>
 )

}

Flowbite offers both light and dark mode options, ensuring flexibility in design. It also includes a wide range of components and their variations, making it a versatile choice for frontend development.

Additionally, Flowbite provides Figma files, enabling designers to easily collaborate and work with the components. On the other hand, it's worth noting that Flowbite may have limited React support unless the specific React version, flowbite-react, is used.
 

3 - Tailwind UI:

Tailwind UI offers official components that are specifically designed for Tailwind CSS. Developers can easily copy the code of these complex components and complete layouts, also customize them using Tailwind CSS class-names. 

Some examples of what Tailwind UI provides:

• Page sections (hero sections, features, newsletter, FAQs, etc)

• Elements (headers, flyout menus, banners)

• Feedback (404 pages)

• Page Examples (Landing pages, pricing pages, about pages)

• Application Shells, Headings, Data displays, Lists, Forms, among others.

Tailwind UI provides support for both React and Vue, making it suitable for projects built with either framework. Also, it provides icons, images, illustrations, and Figma assets. Nevertheless, it's important to note that Tailwind UI is a paid service, which may not be suitable for all projects.
 

4 - Daisy UI:

Daisy UI is a Tailwind CSS plugin that introduces class-based components similar to those in Bootstrap. It offers a pure CSS solution that is customizable and themable, making it a flexible choice for frontend development. Daisy UI is also compatible with React, making it suitable for React-based projects. 

const Button = ({ text, onClick}) => {
  return (
   <button
     onClick={onClick}
     className="btn"
   >
     {text}
   </button>
 );
};


export default Button;

However, it's important to consider that Daisy UI has been associated with some accessibility issues, and it is worth noting that Daisy UI is not a complete framework solution but rather a complement to Tailwind CSS.

 

5- Shadcn/UI:

Shadcn/ui is a frontend library built on top of Tailwind CSS. What sets it apart is its ease of use and convenience. Unlike other libraries, Shadcn/ui does not require a separate installation process. Developers can manually install and simply copy the provided code, or either run the installation commands, which automatically generate the selected component folders. This streamlined approach makes it quick and straightforward to add Shadcn/ui to a project.

Button component example:

Installation:

# Install button component
npx shadcn-ui add button

Usage:

import { Button } from "@/components/ui/button"

<Button variant="outline">Button</Button>

This library offers a range of fully-featured components with pre-built TypeScript code, allowing developers to save time and effort. Moreover, Shadcn/ui includes responsive design capabilities, ensuring that components adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes. It’s important to note that, compared to some other libraries, Shadcn/ui may have limited variations of components available. However, it’s an open source tool being constantly updated.
 

Conclusion: 

After considering the above mentioned criteria, benefits and efficiency of these libraries, we ultimately selected Shadcn/ui for one of our projects. Its ease of use, TypeScript support, and ready-to-use components align perfectly with our development goals. 

When building Next.js applications with Tailwind in 2023, leveraging libraries can greatly enhance productivity and ensure design consistency. By carefully considering different factors and variables, you can make an informed decision on the most suitable tool for your project. Remember, each library has its strengths and weaknesses, so weigh them accordingly to achieve optimal results in your frontend development endeavors.

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