Portfolio

Why Skip React for Your Portfolio?

If you’re a React developer, building your portfolio with React seems like a “no-brainer.” It shows you know the framework, right? Not necessarily. In 2026, the real mark of a senior developer is the ability to choose the right tool for the job, not just the one they are most comfortable with.

Reaching for a heavy JavaScript framework for a site that is essentially 90% static text and images introduces what I call the “React Tax”:

Creating a personal portfolio website is one of the first projects most web developers tackle when learning new technologies. It’s the perfect combination of practical utility and skill demonstration—a place where you can showcase your work while practicing the tools you want to master. My latest project, a Tailwind Portfolio template, demonstrates how to build a modern, professional portfolio using Tailwind CSS with features that rival complex React or Vue implementations—all with plain HTML and JavaScript.

Why Tailwind CSS?

Tailwind CSS has revolutionized the way we approach CSS styling. Rather than writing custom CSS classes for every component, Tailwind provides a comprehensive utility-first framework that lets you build custom designs directly in your HTML. The key advantage? Zero runtime overhead and complete control over your styling without ever leaving your markup.