Head-to-Head: Linaria vs Stitches React Analysis

@linaria/core

v5.0.2(6 days ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 3Monthly npm downloads

@linaria/core is a zero-runtime CSS-in-JS library for styling JavaScript applications. It allows you to write CSS code directly in your JavaScript files using tagged template literals. This approach provides better performance and eliminates the need for a separate build step or runtime dependencies.

Alternatives: styled-components, emotion, css-modules

Tags: javascriptcss-in-jsstylingperformancescoped-styles

@stitches/react

v1.2.8(over 1 year ago)

This package was last published over a year ago. It may not be actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 0Monthly npm downloads

@stitches/react is a CSS-in-JS library that aims to provide an easier and more efficient way to style React components. It allows you to write your styles using JavaScript, with familiar CSS concepts like variables, nesting and media queries, but with added benefits like runtime CSS generation and CSS props support. With @stitches/react, you can create and reuse custom styles with minimal file size, and easily customize your app's theme using an intuitive API.

Alternatives: styled-components, emotion, radium

Tags: css-in-jsreactstylesperformancetheme

Fight!

Popularity

Both packages, @linaria/core and @stitches/react, are relatively new in the market. However, they have gained attention and popularity in the JavaScript community. @linaria/core has been adopted by some popular projects and has gained a small but dedicated following. @stitches/react, on the other hand, is backed by a well-known styling library called Stitches and has gained traction.

Styling Approach

@linaria/core is a zero-runtime CSS-in-JS library that allows you to write CSS in your JavaScript files using template literals. It embraces the concept of CSS variables and generates minimal CSS at build time. @stitches/react, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive styling solution that provides a CSS-in-JS API with a focus on seamless TypeScript integration, atomic CSS, and performance optimizations.

Usability and Developer Experience

Both packages aim to provide great developer experiences. @linaria/core, being a zero-runtime solution, has a straightforward setup process with minimal configuration required. It offers simple and intuitive API to write and use CSS-in-JS. @stitches/react provides a similar developer experience with an emphasis on TypeScript. It offers strong typing and easy integration with TypeScript projects. It also provides atomic CSS and various utility functions for styling.

Performance

Both packages have good performance characteristics. @linaria/core generates minimal CSS at build time, resulting in fast runtime performance. It also benefits from cache invalidation to optimize rebuilds. @stitches/react is built with performance in mind and focuses on generating minimal and optimized CSS. It ensures only necessary styles are included in the final bundle, leading to better runtime performance.

Flexibility

With @linaria/core, you have more control over individual style rules and can easily target specific components or selectors. It allows for greater customization and granular control over styling. @stitches/react, on the other hand, follows an atomic CSS approach and encourages the usage of pre-defined utility classes. It prioritizes a more restricted and consistent styling experience.

Integration Ecosystem

Both packages can be integrated into any JavaScript or TypeScript project. However, @stitches/react has stronger integration with the Stitches ecosystem, which offers a set of powerful styling tools and utilities beyond just CSS-in-JS. It allows for greater reuse of styles across projects and provides a more comprehensive styling solution.