Why do I need to install and compile Bootstrap?

[deanstreet]

Yes, it's "converting" SCSS to CSS through the use of a formal grammar. In Computer Science this is called "compilation". So, I think you are getting confused in the terminology. It's not incorrect (though inaccurate) to call it converting, just know you need to understand that the people who wrote bootstrap are speaking a different language and computer scientists call the conversion of one language to another compiling, not converting.

Minification is an example of conversion. In reality, it's compression but you'd be more accurate calling minification conversion than you would with SCSS. SCSS -> CSS is certainly compilation by the strictest definition of the term.

If it simply said Sass compiling, I would be ok, but it said Bootstrap compiling which connotes more than just Sass and is the source of my confusion.

 

[gaussian]

If it simply said Sass compiling, I would be ok, but it said Bootstrap compiling which connotes more than just Sass and is the source of my confusion.

Indeed I can see how that is confusing. Perhaps it's doing more than either of us think. Maybe open a github issue or hit the IRC with an honest question? People are usually nice if you are.

 

[kmiklas]

You should not have to manually download the bootstrap files.

1. Run npm install bootstrap
2. Reference the bootstrap files according the front end framework you are using (i.e. React, HTML, etc.)

Agreed. This is the modern way. You'll have to install nodejs.

Watch a vid on Node Package Manager (npm). It does a lot of the dependency work for you.

Your minified files will be in the ./node_modules/bootstrap directory if memory serves.

First thing I do when starting a project:
1. Create a new directory
2. npm init
3. npm install the stuff I need