Bootstrap has evolved significantly with each version, introducing new features, removing outdated components, and improving performance & accessibility.
Here’s a detailed comparison between Bootstrap 5, Bootstrap 4, and Bootstrap 3:
Key Features of Bootstrap 5
- Javascript without jQuery: Bootstrap 5 no longer relies on jQuery, which reduces dependencies and improve performance.
- CSS Custom Properties (Variables): Bootstrap 5 uses CSS variables extensively, alowing easier customization of themes.
- Responsive Grid: Introduced a new xxl breakpoint (≥ 1400px) for large screens.
- Utilities API: Enables developers to generate custom utilities.
- Offcanvas Component: A new addition for creating slide-in menus or panels.
- Responsive Grid: Introduced a new xxl breakpoint (≥ 1400px) for large screens.
- Dropped IE11 Support: It removed IE11 and Down browser Support.
- Removed Components: Removed the
card-deckandjumbotroncomponents (replaced with utilities classes and layouts). - Improved Forms: Redesigned form controls with enhanced accessibilities and floating labels for inputs.
- Dropped IE11 Support: It removed IE11 and Down browser Support.
- Icons: Bootstrap 5 officially supports Bootstrap icons, a custom SVG icon library.
- Dark Mode: Easier to implement dark mode using variables and utilities.
- Enhanced Modals and Dropdowns: Improved functionality and customizability.
Key Features of Bootstrap 4
- Grid System:
- Introduced a flexbox-based grid system, replacing the older float-based system in Bootstrap 3.
- Added the xl breakpoint (≥1200px).
- Cards: Introduced
cardcomponents to replace panels, thumbnails, and wells from Bootstrap 3. - Utilities: Added many utility classes (e.g.,
text-center,mt-3) to simplify common styling tasks. - Flexbox: Fully integrated flexbox for layout and alignment.
- Reboot.css: Replaced Normalize.css with Reboot.css for a more consistent browser reset.
- Better Typography: Enhanced font styles and spacing for better readability.
- Improved Forms:
- Unified input and button styles.
- Added
form-checkfor custom checkboxes and radio buttons.
- Tooltips and Popovers: Added options for better placement and performance.
3. Key Features of Bootstrap 3
- Grid System:
- Based on floats.
- Breakpoints included xs, sm, md, and lg.
- Mobile-First Design: Introduced the mobile-first approach.
- Panels, Wells, and Thumbnails: Used for card-like layouts (later replaced by cards in Bootstrap 4).
- Glyphicons: Included an icon font library (later replaced by Bootstrap Icons in Bootstrap 5).
- jQuery Dependency: Relied heavily on jQuery for JavaScript components.
- Customizable through Less: Used Less CSS for customizations (later replaced with Sass in Bootstrap 4).
- Outdated Components:
- Lacked flexbox support.
- No modern utility classes for spacing or alignment.
Comparison Table of Bootstrap 5 vs Bootstrap 4 vs Bootstrap 3
| Feature | Bootstrap 5 | Bootstrap 4 | Bootstrap 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2021 | 2018 | 2013 |
| Grid System | Improved with CSS Grid support | Flexbox-based | Float-based |
| JavaScript | Vanilla JS (no jQuery dependency) | Dependent on jQuery and Popper.js | Dependent on jQuery |
| Browser Support | Modern browsers only (no IE support) | IE 10+ | IE 9+ |
| Utility Classes | Expanded (more utility-first approach) | Limited compared to Bootstrap 5 | Minimal utility classes |
| Forms | Enhanced, floating labels supported | Basic form controls | Less stylized form controls |
| Icons | No built-in icons (use Bootstrap Icons) | No built-in icons (use external) | Glyphicons included |
| Customization | Custom properties (CSS variables) | SCSS-based customization | Less-based customization |
| Gutters in Grid | Gutters are now controlled via classes | Fixed gutters | No explicit gutter control |
| Typography | Responsive font sizes included | Limited typography features | Basic typography |
| Themes | Improved dark mode support | No native dark mode | No native dark mode |
| Modals and Popups | Improved accessibility and styling | Basic styling | Basic styling |
| Dropdowns | Improved (using Popper.js with pure JS) | Dependent on Popper.js | Basic dropdown functionality |
| Columns | Added xxl (extra-extra-large) breakpoint | Extra-large breakpoint added | No extra-large breakpoint |
| File Size | Smaller (no jQuery, improved CSS) | Larger due to jQuery and Popper.js | Larger |
| Flexbox | Fully embraced | Introduced Flexbox | No Flexbox |
| Offcanvas Component | New offcanvas menu supported | Not available | Not available |
| Utility API | Introduced for easier utility class generation | Not available | Not available |
When to Use Each Version
- Bootstrap 5.3:
- Best for modern web development.
- If you need cutting-edge features, performance, and flexibility (e.g., dark mode, responsive utilities).
- Suitable for new projects or upgrading from Bootstrap 4.
- Bootstrap 4:
- Good for projects where IE11 support is required.
- A more modern approach than Bootstrap 3 but less advanced than 5.
- Bootstrap 3:
- Only use for legacy projects where upgrading isn’t feasible.
- Not recommended for new projects due to outdated technology.