CSS Custom Properties, also known as CSS variables, are a very useful resource when working with cascading styles. In this article, we are going to explore in detail what CSS Custom Properties are, how they are used, and what their advantages are compared to other styling options.
What are CSS Custom Properties?
CSS Custom Properties are user-defined variables that store values and are used to apply styles to HTML elements. These variables are declared using the property var and a value is assigned to each one.
For example, if we want to define a variable for the main color of our website, we can do it as follows:
:root { --primary-color: #ff0000; }
Then, we can use this variable in any CSS selector by applying it as the value of a property. For example:
h1 { color: var(--primary-color); }
This way, if we want to change the main color throughout the website, we simply have to modify the value of the variable in one place and it will automatically be applied to all the elements where it is used.
Advantages of CSS Custom Properties
CSS Custom Properties offer several advantages compared to other styling options. Some of the main ones are:
1. Code reuse: CSS variables allow values to be reused throughout the website, making it easier to update and maintain code. Instead of searching and replacing values in multiple CSS selectors, we only need to modify the value of the variable and it will be applied automatically.
2. Flexibility in design: CSS variables give us the flexibility to make changes to the design of our website more easily. We can use variables to define values such as font sizes, margins, spacing, etc., making it easy to make adjustments and experiment with different styles.
3. Nesting of variables: CSS variables can be nested, which allows us to create more complex and flexible structures. We can define variables that depend on other variables, which makes it easier to create dynamic and adaptive styles.
4. Preprocessor support: CSS Custom Properties are also compatible with preprocessors such as Sass or Less. This allows us to use advanced features of these languages, such as functions and mixins, in conjunction with CSS variables.
Conclusion
CSS Custom Properties are a powerful tool for working with cascading styles more efficiently. They allow us to reuse code, make design changes easily, and create more flexible and adaptable styles. If you are not yet using CSS Custom Properties, I encourage you to explore this functionality and take advantage of all the advantages they offer in your web development projects.
Frequently asked questions
What is waterfall in CSS?
Cascading in CSS refers to the process of applying styles to HTML elements based on their specificity and order of declaration. Cascading styles allow us to set general rules and then override or override those rules with more specific styles.
What is the difference between a CSS variable and a CSS property?
A CSS variable is a stored value that can be used in multiple CSS selectors. On the other hand, a CSS property is an instruction that determines how an HTML element should be displayed, such as color, font size, margin, etc.
What is the advantage of using Sass or Less together with CSS Custom Properties?
The main advantage of using preprocessors such as Sass or Less together with CSS Custom Properties is the possibility of using more advanced features of these languages, such as functions and mixins. This allows us to have a more organized, modular and easy to maintain code.
I hope this article has given you a clear insight about CSS Custom Properties and its importance in web development. If you have any additional questions or suggestions for topics for future articles, please feel free to contact me through my website nelkodev.com.
English 
Spanish