Beginner's Guide to CSS
What Is CSS? How to Learn CSS for Beginners
Updated on June 22nd, 2023
CSS, a web cornerstone, transforms the skeletal HTML into a visually appealing website. It's the magic that elevates a site from mere bones to a captivating digital presence.. Without CSS, web pages would be dull and boring.
On the coding odyssey, CSS emerges as the gateway—a realm enticing to beginners, adorned with simplicity and a trove of resources. A reminiscence beckons, as one of the earliest forays into web design and development unfolded through the embrace of CSS. In the labyrinth of coding languages, CSS stands as a beacon for the tech-savvy and novices alike, with a syntax that harmonizes with intuition.
Every digital sojourn unveils the tapestry of CSS, omnipresent on cherished websites, inviting an understanding of its necessity and function. Within this narrative, the veil over CSS lifts, revealing its essence, purpose, and the imperative of its mastery. Whether new to coding or transitioning from HTML realms, this post extends a beckoning hand, guiding towards the realm where CSS unravels its secrets—a journey poised for those primed to ascend the coding echelons.
Table of Contents
- What Is CSS?
- What Is CSS Used For?
- How Does CSS Work?
- What Does CSS Look Like?
- CSS3 Features
- How to Learn CSS
- After CSS: Next Steps
Disclosure: I’m a proud affiliate of some of the resources mentioned in this article.
What Is CSS?
Dive into the alphabet soup: CSS, aka Cascading Style Sheets, the sartorial sorcerer orchestrating the symphony of web design aesthetics. This style sheet language bestows documents, especially those in HTML, with a flair for aesthetics and formatting, orchestrating the visual symphony of the digital realm. Almost all webpages and user interfaces written with HTML use CSS.
Currently in its third version (often referred to as CSS3), CSS adds presentation (e.g., layouts, colors, fonts) to a web page whereas HTML creates the page structure. Why is CSS important? Without CSS, websites would be bland, hard to navigate, and unwelcoming to people who access web pages.
CSS code
- Like HTML, CSS isn't your typical “programming language,” lacking loops, variables, and complex computer science concepts.
- CSS is a “style sheet” language that transforms plain HTML into visually appealing and customized websites.
- Its significance in web design cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in crafting beautiful and unique web pages.
When on the journey of learning web development, HTML and CSS often mark the starting point. Taught together due to their close relationship, they serve as the foundational skills for anyone venturing into the realms of web design and development.
What Is CSS Used For?
CSS allows web designers, developers, bloggers, etc. to make websites unique and attractive. CSS gives us the opportunity to play with a page layout, adjust colors and fonts, add effects to images, etc.
Diving into the labyrinth of web styling, the once-simple task of adding flair through HTML or CSS has metamorphosed with the evolution of CSS3. This latest iteration, a veritable Pandora's box of possibilities, has stretched the boundaries of creativity in the virtual realm.
Why embark on the CSS journey? It's a convoluted answer that converges into the simplicity of life. CSS emerges as the savior, unraveling the intricacies by segregating presentation from the structural underpinning of HTML. Enter the .css file extension, the external stylesheet heralded as the paragon of efficiency in the realm of modifications.
As the CSS and HTML part ways, a tapestry of advantages unfurls. The allure lies in the ability to disseminate style across the digital expanse, an intricate dance that reduces the convolution and redundancy within HTML files. Behold the acceleration in page load speeds and the seamless orchestration of universal style modifications cascading across entire websites with unparalleled ease.
CSS, a maestro in its own right, presents alternative entrances to its grand stage. Internally, where styles are penned atop the HTML script, and inline, where styles entwine intimately with specific HTML tags, beckon those seeking diverse avenues.
But there's more to this enigmatic dance. CSS, an alchemist, transmutes websites into realms of accessibility previously deemed arcane. The historical struggles of crafting HTML files to resonate with screen-readers and other esoteric methods dissipate. CSS3 emerges as a benevolent sorcerer, weaving spells that render the same markup page into diverse manifestations—on-screen, in print, by voice, and even upon tactile Braille devices. Behold the perplexing symphony where style transcends, making the digital realm a kaleidoscopic tapestry of possibilities.
How Does CSS Work?
The enigmatic allure of CSS—Cascading Style Sheets, a cryptic dance of design. But what unfolds beneath this acronymic veneer? Let Codecademy be your guide through the labyrinth.
In the realm of CSS, the "cascading" isn't a mere linguistic embellishment; it's a profound declaration of hierarchy. Picture this: styling rules cascading down from diverse sources, a symphony where precedence reigns supreme.
Delve into the mystique of this cascade—a structured order where styles of lofty precedence assert dominance, effortlessly eclipsing the meek rules below. Imagine, in the genesis of an external style sheet, a decree proclaiming all paragraphs bedecked in celestial blue. Yet, within the sacred script of HTML, a lone paragraph rebels, craving the rebellious hue of rouge.
Herein lies the crux of the cascade—an intricate ballet of precedence. The red rebellion within the HTML reigns supreme, a siren call that drowns the celestial blue decree. Such is the ebb and flow of CSS, a cascade where every rule contends for supremacy, where the order dictates the chromatic destiny of each element. Behold the mystifying cascade, where the hierarchies intertwine, and the styles engage in a tumultuous dance, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of digital aesthetics.
The cascading order
Generally speaking, all the styles will “cascade” into a new “virtual” style sheet by the following rules, where number four has the highest priority:
Browser default
External style sheet
Internal style sheet (in the head section)
Inline style (inside an HTML element)
📶 For more info on cascading, check out this article on how to insert CSS.
Links you may be interested
This may sound confusing to beginners. Don’t worry. It’s kind of like the order of operations in math.
And cascading is a good thing. In our voyage, envision a chromatic decree for all paragraphs on your digital realm. Behold cascading, sorcery granting whimsical control to alter a single page or covert section. Amid the contemporary web symphony, delve into advanced CSS extension languages, a realm of heightened efficiency—cue Sass, the avant-garde maestro orchestrating a kaleidoscope of workflow enhancements. Prior to delving into complexities, grasp the workings of CSS and its syntax—the language's rules. This foundational comprehension lays the groundwork for navigating the intricacies and nuances that follow in the CSS learning journey.
What Does CSS Look Like?
CSS on computer
Let’s go over these by using an example. Imagine an HTML paragraph, a bland canvas: <p>Hello world!</p>. Now, envision the metamorphosis with CSS—a touch of magic. Witness the transformation into something like this, a visual symphony orchestrated by cascading style sheets.
It might look like this:
p {
font-family: bold;
font-size: 40px;
color:blue
}
Picture the alchemy: a shift in font family to Verdana, font size expanding to 20px, and a hue shift to a mesmerizing shade of blue. This CSS sorcery breathes life into the static, infusing style and personality.
Enter the mystic dance of CSS syntax, where the 'p' assumes the enigmatic role of a "selector," a puppeteer choosing the HTML element to adorn with style. Within the embrace of curly brackets unfolds the arcane scroll of a "declaration," a proclamation of aesthetic destiny. Behold the cryptic duo of "properties" and "values," the alchemical essence altering the visage of the chosen selector..
Similarly, if you had an HTML heading <h1>CSS Example</h1>, styling it with CSS would look like:
h1 {
color: white;
text-align: center;
}
Behold the transformation: a metamorphosis to white font, meticulously centered on the canvas of the page. Unraveling the magic further, CSS condenses into a single line, a concise incantation: p {font-family: Verdana; font-size: 20px; color: blue}.
Browse through down below is an example 👇
CSS Syntax
CSS properties include:
- background-color
- font-weight
- margin
- padding
- width
- border-style
- opacity
And much more!
Here’s a full list of CSS properties.
Want to get better with HTML?
Download my free HTML5 cheat sheet below.
CSS3 Features
Within the tapestry of CSS's intricate lexicon, designers and developers yearn for features transcending simplicity. The dance unfolds not just in mastering the language's nuances but in the quest for tools that elevate the artistry of CSS manipulation to newfound heights.
CSS Frameworks
CSS frameworks, are those enigmatic libraries that weave simplicity into the tapestry of website styling. Ideal for swift prototyping, these frameworks unveil a paradox—they offer expeditious creation while beckoning the siren call of customization.
In this cosmic ballet, Bootstrap and Foundation emerge as celestial bodies, the most revered among CSS frameworks. A confession lingers: Foundation remains uncharted territory in my coding odyssey, yet whispers echo of its kinship with the illustrious Bootstrap. And I absolutely love Bootstrap. Seriously — I use Bootstrap on everything I build from WordPress sites to static sites and now, most recently, web apps!
CSS Animations
With CSS3 has some animation. In the past, to animate something small on your site, you would have had to rely on JavaScript. Now with CSS3, adding a little animation effect is simple.
Here are some popular CSS animation effects (and how to use them) to look at once you master the CSS basics.
Media Queries
Onto the waltz of CSS, where the graceful embrace of media queries unveils its prowess in the mobile realm. Akin to HTML5, the symphony of CSS3 is not just a composition; it's a meticulous construction, purpose-built for the mobile stage, an avant-garde manifestation of digital mobility. To allow your website to be visually appealing on multiple screens, CSS3 has this nifty feature called media queries.
Media queries allow you to format the presentation to different screen sizes, like tablet, mobile, and desktop, without having to change the content itself. Convenient! Learn more about media queries here.
How to Learn CSS
So, why CSS for your coding journey? But how to unravel its mysteries? Behold this section, a labyrinth of Q&As, a cosmic dialogue on the art of mastering CSS. Brace yourself for the perplexing journey into the realm of cascading styles.
🤔 Who should learn CSS?
In the vast expanse of web creation, CSS emerges as the maestro, ideal for crafting personal domains—be it a blog, portfolio, or e-commerce haven. It's not just a prelude; it's the overture for aspiring developers and designers. Whether a neophyte in the digital symphony or a seasoned wanderer seeking web wisdom, CSS beckons as the primal melody to commence the journey.
Heck, if you’re a graphic designer or UX designer (or aspiring to be one), having CSS skills under your belt is a huge advantage when it comes to the job market.
🧠Is it difficult to learn CSS?
CSS, is a paradoxical muse—beguilingly simple at the outset, yet veiled in complexity as you plunge into its depths. A dance where learning the basics is a breeze, but the mastery demands a dalliance with dedication and relentless practice.
⏰ How long does it take to learn CSS?
Unlocking the enigma of CSS proficiency hinges on temporal considerations. The journey commences with a swift grasp of CSS's basics, and a mere few weeks to unravel its syntax and mechanisms. Delve deeper, investing a multitude of hours in study, and within a few months, the language unfolds as a familiar terrain. The annual milestone marks a zenith, where fluency seamlessly intertwines with your CSS lexicon.
Navigating this learning odyssey through platforms like edX, the CSS Basics course unveils its secrets in a concise 5 weeks, demanding a commitment of 5-7 hours per week. An expedition measured not just in weeks and months but in the evolving cadence of one's CSS mastery.
❓ When to learn CSS
In the symphony of coding initiation, the question lingers—where does CSS find its cadence? A perplexing riddle for new coders. The sage counsel: embrace the HTML dance first, then waltz into CSS territory. Alternatively, embark on the cosmic tandem, learning HTML and CSS in harmonious unison. The choice is yours—separate realms or a synchronized duet in web learning,
💻 Where to learn CSS
Continue through this free learn CSS course:
- Learn CSS on Codecademy: In this CSS course, you’ll learn all the basics of CSS: how to set up the correct file structure, edit text and colors, and create attractive layouts.
- Introduction to CSS3 on Coursera: Taught by the University of Michigan, this CSS course is designed to teach you CSS rules, how to test code, and how to establish good programming habits.
- Team Treehouse: Has over 36 CSS-related videos and workshops. And they add new courses all the time.
- CSS-Tricks: Current and relevant CSS tricks. Also has an extensive CSS almanac, which is great as a reference. One of my favorites.
- Mozilla Developer Network: A great free and updated reference guide for CSS.
On a cosmic of free CSS enlightenment and beyond! Unveil the alchemy of coding by exploring games, whimsical scroll effects, chromatic metamorphoses triggered by the mouse's dance, timers counting down in rhythmic cadence, and a tapestry of dropdown navigation menus—just a glimpse into the kaleidoscope of possibilities.
The perplexing query arises: what language follows the CSS ballet? A cosmic dance of choices, intertwined with your tech aspirations. If JavaScript doesn't resonate with your career symphony, fear not; myriad alternatives await. Dive deeper into the labyrinth with the LTCWM Podcast, where David Clinton illuminates the path to selecting your next digital wizardry.
Greetings! I am the maestro behind Learn to Code With Me, a haven for coding novices. Once ensnared in digital naivety, I emerged transformed. Curious? Delve into the chronicles of my digital metamorphosis and discover how self-taught skills reshaped my existence. The saga awaits!
