As a software engineering student looking to earn some extra cash by building websites, I've created a few using React and Tailwind. However, I'm not entirely happy with their appearance. I'm wondering if it's worth investing my time in learning to create visually appealing websites solely through coding, especially with tools like WordPress, Webflow, and Framer available. Do those tools provide any advantages over coding everything myself?
6 Answers
I gave up on WordPress. It’s fine for quick setups, but when things get complicated, you either face instability with plugins or end up needing to code everything yourself. Plus, with AI generating landing pages in a flash, they can start to look identical. Coding gives you the freedom to design exactly how you want and add any features. If your sites aren't looking great, try looking into various UI frameworks like Shadcn, Radix, Chakra, or MUI.
Keep learning! I incorporate AI in my work, but without a strong coding foundation, you won't get the most out of it. It's essential to know the basics to leverage AI properly.
Exactly! You need to understand how to use it effectively, otherwise, you might struggle.
There are two main approaches to web development: using ready-made solutions and crafting custom ones. The first approach is quicker, while the second is about optimal engineering. If you're looking to make money on the side, you likely don't want to spend too much time on custom builds. Use existing tools, put them together, style them up, and get paid. However, if you or your clients need something unique, that's when you should consider coding it yourself.
It really depends. Coding gives you flexibility, but if you don't plan on making anything highly customized and coding isn’t your passion, using pre-built platforms might be a better choice.
When it comes to building sites, coding gives you flexibility and control, but that really only matters for clients needing custom features. Most clients don't really require that. If you want to build prettier websites more quickly, tools like Webflow or Framer can help you deliver better designs faster, and you can still charge the same or even more. Use React for the projects that actually demand it!
Spot on.
From a time management perspective, there are so many great starting options available now that reinventing the wheel just doesn't make sense.
Yeah, those standard gradients scream AI-generated. People really need to improve their design context if they want their websites to stand out.