CSS Fundamentals Every Developer Should Know
CSS Fundamentals Every Developer Should Know
1. What Is CSS?
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the language used to style and layout web pages.
It controls colors, fonts, spacing, positioning, and overall visual appearance.
2. Selectors
Selectors target HTML elements to apply styles.
Types include:
Element Selector: targets all elements of a type, e.g., p { }.
Class Selector: targets elements with a class, e.g., .btn { }.
ID Selector: targets element with an ID, e.g., #header { }.
Attribute Selector: targets elements with specific attributes.
Pseudo-classes and Pseudo-elements: like :hover, ::before.
3. Box Model
Every HTML element is a rectangular box consisting of:
Content (text, images)
Padding (space inside the box, around content)
Border (around padding)
Margin (space outside the border)
Understanding the box model is crucial for layout and spacing.
4. Positioning
Controls how elements are placed on the page:
Static (default flow)
Relative (relative to normal position)
Absolute (relative to nearest positioned ancestor)
Fixed (relative to viewport)
Sticky (switches between relative and fixed)
5. Flexbox
A powerful layout module for creating flexible, responsive layouts.
Key properties include:
display: flex;
justify-content (horizontal alignment)
align-items (vertical alignment)
flex-direction (row, column)
Ideal for one-dimensional layouts.
6. Grid Layout
Two-dimensional layout system for rows and columns.
Use display: grid; with properties like:
grid-template-columns
grid-template-rows
gap
Perfect for complex, grid-based designs.
7. Typography
Control font styles and readability:
font-family
font-size
font-weight
line-height
text-align
Use web-safe fonts or custom fonts via @font-face.
8. Colors and Backgrounds
Use color properties:
color (text color)
background-color
background-image
Supports HEX, RGB, RGBA, HSL, and named colors.
9. Responsive Design
Make layouts adapt to different screen sizes.
Use media queries:
css
Copy
Edit
@media (max-width: 600px) {
/* styles for small screens */
}
Combine with flexible units like %, em, rem, vh, and vw.
10. Specificity and Cascading
When multiple rules apply, CSS uses specificity and order to decide which style wins.
Inline styles > IDs > Classes > Elements.
The cascade means later rules can override earlier ones.
11. CSS Variables
Custom properties allow reusable values:
css
Copy
Edit
:root {
--main-color: #3498db;
}
p {
color: var(--main-color);
}
Summary
Mastering these CSS fundamentals equips developers to build visually appealing, responsive, and well-structured web pages. CSS is both powerful and flexible, making it essential for any web developer.
Learn Full Stack JAVA Training in Hyderabad
Read More
Basics of HTML for Full Stack Java Developers
💻 Frontend Development (HTML/CSS/JavaScript)
Salary Trends for Full Stack Java Developers
Full Stack Java vs MERN Stack: Which to Choose?
Visit Our Quality Thought Training in Hyderabad
Comments
Post a Comment