Ask HN: How can I master CSS?

2 points by RUG3Y 8y ago ↗ HN

CSS seems simple when I read about it, but I just can't master it. For simple layouts, I have no problems. Start doing very complex layouts and throw Bootstrap and/or other libraries into the mix, and I'm lost.

Mentally, I don't feel lost, but rules don't behave the way I expect them to. It's probably not true but my impression of CSS is that it's incredibly inconsistent and difficult to work with. As projects grow these issues compound.

My backend programming skills are decent but I want to push my frontend skills to the next level -- which means I really need to master CSS.

What can you suggest that will help me gain the confidence I need?

3 comments

[ 5.1 ms ] story [ 19.3 ms ] thread

iamNumber4 8y ago ↗

Well, just start, eventually everything will cascade into your mastery of the style sheets.

On a serious note; look at the CSS preprocessor projects, they are trying to address some of the pain points you are feeling. (https://www.keycdn.com/blog/sass-vs-less/)

RUG3Y 8y ago ↗

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

I've studied the box model etc and I've been CSS'ing for a while now but it's still not clicking for me.

PaulHoule 8y ago ↗

I like reading spec documents when I spin at the gym: reading docs or books about a topic over and over again in parallel with actually using the technology in work helps me get a complete understanding.