Styled-JSX is a library that allows you to write scoped CSS for your React components. It provides a way to style your components using traditional CSS syntax, while ensuring that the styles only apply to that component and not its children or parent. This is achieved through the use of CSS modules and a custom babel plugin which transforms the styles to a unique class name with randomly generated hashes.
Tailwind CSS is a utility-first CSS framework. It provides a comprehensive set of pre-defined CSS styles that can be combined to create custom designs while maintaining a consistent and cohesive look and feel. Its atomic design approach, using small and reusable classes, offers a quick way to build responsive user interfaces. Unlike traditional CSS frameworks, Tailwind does not impose any design decisions, allowing you to focus on your content and design needs.
Tailwind CSS is currently more popular than Styled JSX. Tailwind CSS has gained significant popularity in the web development community due to its utility-first approach and ease of use. Styled JSX, on the other hand, has a smaller but dedicated user base within the React community.
Approach
Styled JSX is a CSS-in-JS solution that allows you to write scoped styles directly in your React components using JSX syntax. It offers CSS encapsulation by default and provides a seamless developer experience by enabling dynamic styling. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, is a utility-first CSS framework. It provides a set of pre-defined utility classes that you can use to style your components. Tailwind CSS promotes a global styling approach with a focus on rapid development and consistency.
Customization
Tailwind CSS is highly customizable. You can extend its default configuration and add or modify utility classes to fit your project's specific needs. It allows for easy theming and provides a rich set of configuration options. Styled JSX, on the other hand, focuses more on component-level customization. It allows you to define custom styles and overrides within individual components, giving you more granular control over styling.
Learning Curve
Tailwind CSS has a steeper learning curve compared to Styled JSX due to its unique utility class-based approach. It requires understanding the utility class naming conventions and how to compose classes effectively. Styled JSX, on the other hand, has a more familiar CSS syntax, which makes it easier for developers who are already comfortable with CSS to get started.
Integration
Styled JSX integrates seamlessly within React components, allowing you to write your styles alongside your JSX code. It does not have any external dependencies. Tailwind CSS, on the other hand, can be integrated into any project, regardless of the framework being used. It can be used with React, Vue.js, or even traditional server-rendered applications.
