React Portfolio with Tailwind CSS – Dark Mode & Vite.js

Building a personal portfolio website is crucial for showcasing your skills and accomplishments as a developer. In this article, we will explore how to create a React portfolio using Tailwind CSS for styling, with the added feature of dark mode. Additionally, we will use Vite.js as a build tool for a faster development experience.

Setting up the project

First, make sure you have Node.js installed on your machine. Then, create a new React project using create-react-app or your preferred method. Navigate to the project directory and install Tailwind CSS and Vite.js by running the following commands:


npm install tailwindcss
npx tailwindcss init
npm install --save-dev vite


Once the installations are complete, open your index.css file and include the Tailwind CSS styles using the @import directive. Your index.css file should look like this:


@import 'tailwindcss/base';
@import 'tailwindcss/components';
@import 'tailwindcss/utilities';


Creating the portfolio components

Now, you can start creating the necessary components for your portfolio. Use the HTML structure and React components to represent different sections of your portfolio such as header, about, projects, and contact.

Utilize Tailwind CSS classes to style your components and make them visually appealing. Explore the documentation to learn about various utilities like grids, spacing, typography, and more.

Implementing dark mode

Dark mode is a popular feature that enhances the user experience and reduces eye strain. To implement dark mode in your portfolio, add a button or a toggle switch that allows users to switch between light and dark modes.

Use JavaScript to toggle a dark mode class on your root element based on the user’s preference. This class can override the default color scheme set by Tailwind CSS, giving your portfolio a dark theme.

Building and deploying the portfolio

Once you have finished designing and implementing your portfolio, it’s time to build and deploy it. Vite.js makes this process seamless and fast. Run the command npm run build to generate the production-ready build of your portfolio.

You can deploy your portfolio to popular hosting platforms like Netlify, Vercel, or GitHub Pages, or choose any other hosting provider of your choice. Ensure that you configure the deployment settings properly to serve the built files correctly.

Conclusion

Creating a React portfolio with Tailwind CSS, dark mode, and Vite.js can elevate your personal branding and showcase your skills effectively. Play around with different layouts, color schemes, and animations to make your portfolio unique and visually appealing. Remember to optimize your portfolio for performance and accessibility to provide a seamless experience to your visitors. Happy coding!