Do you need to use Bootstrap's “container” and “row” if your content is to span the whole width?

Answer 1

Short answer: you do need to use container, but you don't need to use row.

You can put elements directly in the container or container-fluid. You aren't required to use the grid (.row and .col-*), and the container alone can be used as a container of content. Only use the grid when you need the responsive 12-unit structure.

For example, this is valid Bootstrap...

   
Hello World
   
Some other content...

From the Bootstrap docs...

"Bootstrap requires a containing element to wrap site contents and house our grid system."

So, the purpose of container is two-fold: 1) to "house the grid system", and 2) to "wrap site contents". However, when you do use the grid (.row and .col-*), a container is required to wrap the .row.

Even the basic starter template utilizes container without the grid.

In summary...

• You can use .container or .container-fluid alone to contain elements and page content.
• If you use the grid (.row and .col-*), .row must be inside a .container or .container-fluid, and .col-* must be inside a .row.