Learn TACHYONS with Real Code Examples

Tachyons uses atomic CSS classes for styling instead of prebuilt components.

It provides utilities for spacing, typography, color, layout, and responsiveness.

The framework encourages a functional, composable approach to UI development.

Small, reusable CSS classes

Functional approach to styling

Typography, spacing, color, and layout utilities

Responsive class modifiers for different breakpoints

Minimal footprint for fast loading

Atomic classes for spacing (`pa3`, `ma2`), typography (`f1`, `lh-copy`), and colors (`bg-blue`, `white`)

Grid and layout utilities (`flex`, `flex-wrap`, `w-50`) for responsive design

Responsive suffixes like `-ns`, `-m`, `-l` for different screen sizes

Utility-first approach encourages composable and maintainable HTML

Minimal reliance on custom CSS

index.html - main layout

assets/css/ - optional custom overrides

node_modules/tachyons - installed framework

partials/ - reusable sections

No JS folder needed

Include Tachyons CSS

Use atomic classes in HTML elements

Compose multiple classes for desired styling

Apply responsive modifiers for breakpoints

Optionally extend with custom CSS or Sass

Beginner: basic layouts with utility classes

Intermediate: responsive page design

Advanced: custom component design without predefined styles

Expert: large-scale functional CSS projects

Community: integrating with JS frameworks (React, Vue)

Utility-first CSS vs component-heavy frameworks (Bootstrap, UIkit)

No JS vs UIkit’s or Materialize’s JS plugins

Smaller footprint and faster load

Steeper learning curve initially

Encourages maintainable, composable HTML structure

2013 – Initial release of Tachyons

2014 – Expanded utility classes and responsive helpers

2015 – Sass modularization

2016 – Popularity grew among performance-focused developers

2021 – Stable version with community contributions

Atomic class: single-purpose CSS class

Utility class: reusable CSS helper

Responsive modifier: suffix to adjust styling per breakpoint

Compose: combine multiple classes to style element

Functional CSS: CSS approach using small, reusable classes