Table of Contents
- What is CSS?
- How to use CSS with HTML
- Syntax and structure
- Selectors
- Properties and values
- The box model
- Responsive design
- Next steps
1. What is CSS?
CSS is a language used to define the style (e.g., colors, fonts, and layout) of HTML documents. CSS helps separate the content of a webpage (HTML) from its presentation (CSS), making it easier to maintain and update.
2. How to use CSS with HTML
There are three ways to apply CSS to an HTML document:
- Inline: Apply CSS directly to an HTML element using the
styleattribute. - Internal: Embed CSS within the
<style>element in the<head>section of the HTML document. - External: Link to an external CSS file using the
<link>element in the<head>section of the HTML document.
The recommended method is to use an external stylesheet, as it promotes separation of concerns and makes it easier to maintain and update the styles.
3. Syntax and structure
CSS syntax consists of a set of rules, each containing a selector and a declaration block. The declaration block contains one or more declarations, each consisting of a property and its corresponding value, separated by a colon (:) and ending with a semi-colon (;).
selector {
property: value;
}
4. Selectors
Selectors are used to target specific HTML elements on the page. Some common selector types include:
- Element: Selects all elements of a specific type, e.g.,
p. - Class: Selects all elements with a specific class attribute, e.g.,
.example. - ID: Selects the element with a specific ID attribute, e.g.,
#unique.
5. Properties and values
CSS properties define the aspects of an element's appearance, such as font, color, and spacing. Here are some essential properties:
color: Sets the text color of an element.background-color: Sets the background color of an element.font-family: Specifies the font family for the text of an element.font-size: Sets the font size of an element.border: Sets the border of an element.padding: Sets the padding (space between the content and border) of an element.margin: Sets the margin (space outside the border) of an element.
6. The box model
In CSS, each element is treated as a rectangular box, consisting of content, padding, border, and margin. The box model is essential for controlling layout and design.
7. Responsive design
Responsive design allows a website to adjust its layout and appearance based on the screen size and device. CSS3 introduces new features, such as media queries, flexible box layout (Flexbox), and grid layout, that make it easier to create responsive designs.
8. Next steps
Now that you have a basic understanding of CSS3, you can start experimenting and learning more advanced techniques. Some resources to help you further your knowledge include:
- [Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) CSS documentation](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS)
- [W3Schools CSS tutorial](https://www.w3schools.com/css/)
- CSS-Tricks
- Online courses and tutorials, such as those offered by Codecademy and freeCodeCamp
Remember, practice is key. Keep experimenting and building projects to hone your CSS skills. Good luck!
