CSS Techniques for Modern Web Design

CSS has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Modern CSS features enable us to build responsive, flexible, and maintainable design systems without relying heavily on JavaScript. Let's explore the techniques that define contemporary web design.

These are the foundation of modern layouts. Flexbox excels at one-dimensional layouts (rows or columns), while Grid handles two-dimensional layouts. Understanding when to use each is key to building responsive designs efficiently.

CSS variables (custom properties) enable dynamic theming and reduce code duplication. You can define values once and reuse them throughout your stylesheet, making maintenance and theme switching incredibly simple.

Container queries represent a paradigm shift in responsive design. Instead of designing for fixed screen sizes, you design components that respond to their container size. This enables truly reusable, context-aware components.

Modern CSS selectors like :is(), :where(), :has(), and new pseudo-elements give you surgical precision in targeting elements. This reduces the need for additional classes and makes CSS more maintainable.