CSS has evolved dramatically in recent years. Modern features enable designs that were previously impossible or required JavaScript. Let's explore techniques you can use today.
Container Queries
Container queries represent a fundamental shift from viewport-based responsive design. Components can now adapt based on their container's size, not the viewport. This enables truly modular, context-aware components.
CSS Grid and Subgrid
CSS Grid transformed layout capabilities, and subgrid takes it further. Children can align to their grandparent's grid, creating consistent alignment across complex layouts without the markup gymnastics of older approaches.
Custom Properties and calc()
CSS custom properties (variables) combined with calc() enable dynamic, maintainable designs. Create entire theming systems, responsive spacing scales, and fluid typography systems with clean, readable CSS.
Cascade Layers
The @layer rule gives explicit control over the cascade, solving specificity wars and making CSS more predictable. Organize styles into layers with clear precedence: resets, defaults, components, utilities, overrides.
Conclusion
Modern CSS is incredibly powerful. These features reduce our reliance on JavaScript for styling, improve performance, and make CSS more maintainable. The future of web styling is already here.