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Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

Hasty Treat - Uses for CSS Variables

In this Hasty Treat, Scott and Wes talk about CSS variables, a.k.a CSS Custom Properties - why you might want to use them, why they’re better than various preprocessor’s variables, and pitfalls to watch out for and avoid.

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Show Notes

3:25 - What

  • --example-name, represent custom properties

  • called using var()

  • Overwrite with a more specific style

  • Use JavaScript to append .style.setPropert(

  • How are they scoped?

    • Just like normal CSS
    • Can be set on :root {}
    • Can be set on any element down

9:10 - Why

  • Uses:

    • Can make more sense if used semantically
    • var(–accent) vs var(–yellow)

  • Independent values for things that can’t be broken up:

    • box-shadow: 2px 2px 2px 2px red
    • transform: rotate(var(–rotate)) scale(2);

  • Inline properties can be picked up by regular CSS (color, size, etc.)

    • hey

  • Themes that can easily be changed at runtime for entire app

19:15 - Calculations

  • You can use them inside of calc()
  • Animations

20:10 - Bummers

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