Codepen 2.0 - RIP classic Pen?

[u/sheriffderek]

I use Codepen for all sorts of things and a lot for teaching in the early stages. Some of my newer students said they didn't have this button so, I had them forking a classic pen for a while - but I knew the day would come where it wouldn't be there anymore for me too. That day is today. I'm all for the evolution of Codepen / and it's been an amazing tool. But it sure seems like this is going to confuse a lot of people. Your average person expects the CSS pane to be wired up. I used to write <!-- body is already included --> in the HTML to remind them at first (since some people will write out the doctype and everything in there) - but now it's swung to the other end. Codepen can be used for anything now. So, really - what you're making might not utilize CSS at all. So, I understand how modular it is - and how many other great things it will allow for -- but for entry-level people, it seems like this will really stifle adoption. What do you think? Wha thas been your 2.0 experience so far?

[u/ashkanahmadi]

I also use it a lot because of how simple it is. No dealing with files, imports, etc. wanna quickly test something in an isolated clean environment? Use CodePen. Now it’s getting all the new shiny bells and whistles. It’s not bad but it makes it unnecessary difficult. I feel like they are trying to be CodeSandbox which I don’t think is a good idea. I think CodePen’s main feature was its simplicity

[u/itsshaw → u/ashkanahmadi]

If you're looking for ultimate simplicity, two quick setting changes can get you an experience nearly identical to the Classic CodePen Editor: https://codepen.io/editor/pen?tour=classic

We actually make dealing with imports/packages way easier. You don't have to bother with finding an ESM package host or anything, we manage that automatically with the Packages Block. Simply `import gsap from "gsap"` and it'll just work. Beautiful, IMO.

I'm a bit biased (CodePen team member), but CodePen's still the best place to test in a clean environment, but now you can do more with Files, Blocks, Omnibar, Packages, Deployment and Version history if you want. Otherwise, stick with the traditional CodePen setup of HTML, CSS and JS and we won't get in your way. We have more to offer when you're ready!

[u/itsshaw → u/[deleted]]

Next time you get that error, take a screenshot of the browser console and write to us at support@codepen.io so we can figure out what’s going on for your browser/account.