maybe everyone is right (and wrong) Chris Coyier

September 26, 2023

Josh Collingsworth:

Many who use Tailwind never want to go back; many who don’t never want to.

How could we possibly disagree so sharply?

After using Tailwind for a good while now—both professionally and on a few small personal projects—I’ve come to what might just be the most unpopular opinion of all, in regards to that question:

Both sides are right.

I think Josh has got it. He put to words what a lot of us are feeling who are genuinely trying to understand the divide, not pick a side, even if we have a preference of our own.

There are different approaches to writing CSS, and they fit people with different dispositions and proclivities. And as much as it pains either “side” to admit it, neither using Tailwind or not using Tailwind is wrong. Unless, of course, you’d be much happier or more efficient using the approach you currently aren’t.

I think the Smart Steering analogy is pretty apt. Tailwind keeps you consistent, but might also be stiffeling (just one of the tradeoffs). I’ve also thought of it as “bumper bowling” for CSS. Keeps you from mistakes, but it ain’t the real thing.

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