Bootstrap is a popular front-end framework used for developing responsive, mobile-first websites.
One of the key components of the framework is the button component, which provides a uniform look and feel for buttons across different web pages.
In this guide, we will take a deep dive into Bootstrap buttons and learn about their various uses and customization options.
Introduction to Bootstrap Buttons
Bootstrap buttons are used to trigger actions on a web page, such as submitting a form or navigating to another page.
They come in several different styles, including primary, secondary, success, danger, warning, and info.
These styles are defined by pre-built CSS classes in the Bootstrap framework, and can be easily applied to buttons using HTML.
The HTML code for a basic Bootstrap button is simple:
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary">Primary</button>
In this code, the type attribute is set to button to specify that this is a button element, and the class attribute is set to btn btn-primary to apply the primary style to the button.
Button Sizes
Bootstrap provides several options for button sizes, including small, medium (default), and large.
These sizes can be set by adding a size class to the button, such as .btn-sm for small or .btn-lg for large.
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Small</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary">Default</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary btn-lg">Large</button>
Button Outlines
In addition to solid-filled buttons, Bootstrap also provides button outlines, which are buttons with a border and transparent background.
Outlined buttons can be created by adding the .btn-outline-* class to the button, where * is the button style (e.g. .btn-outline-primary for a primary-style outlined button).
<button type="button" class="btn btn-outline-primary">Primary</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-outline-secondary">Secondary</button>
Button Blocks
Bootstrap buttons can also be made to fill the entire width of their parent container by adding the .btn-block class to the button.
This is useful for creating full-width buttons in forms, for example.
<button type="button" class="btn btn-primary btn-block">Block</button>
Button Groups
Bootstrap buttons can also be grouped together to create button sets, using the .btn-group class.
This is useful for creating sets of buttons with related functions, such as a group of navigation buttons.
<div class="btn-group" role="group" aria-label="Basic example">
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">Left</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">Middle</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">Right</button>
</div>
Button Toolbars
Button groups can be combined into a button toolbar, using the .btn-toolbar class.
This is useful for creating complex button sets, such as those used in toolbars and control panels.
<div class="btn-toolbar" role="toolbar" aria-label="Toolbar with button groups">
<div class="btn-group mr-2" role="group" aria-label="First group">
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">1</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">2</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">3</button>
</div>
<div class="btn-group mr-2" role="group" aria-label="Second group">
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">4</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">5</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">6</button>
</div>
<div class="btn-group" role="group" aria-label="Third group">
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">7</button>
<button type="button" class="btn btn-secondary">8</button>
</div>
</div>
Customizing Bootstrap Buttons
In addition to the pre-built button styles, Bootstrap also allows for custom styling of buttons through CSS.
This can be done by creating custom CSS classes and applying them to buttons in the HTML.
For example, you could create a custom class to change the background color of a button:
<style>
.custom-btn {
background-color: blue;
color: white;
}
</style>
<button type="button" class="btn custom-btn">Custom</button>
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explored the various options for using Bootstrap buttons in web development.
From pre-built styles and sizes to custom styling and grouping, Bootstrap provides a comprehensive suite of tools for creating attractive and functional buttons for your web pages.
By combining the pre-built styles with custom CSS, you can create unique and effective button designs that fit the look and feel of your website.