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Where to Code CSS?

Published in CSS Coding 2 mins read

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) code can be written in a few different places, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Primarily, CSS can be written inline, internally, or externally.

Methods of Coding CSS

Here's a breakdown of the common methods for implementing CSS:

  • Inline CSS:

    • Written directly within HTML tags using the style attribute.
    • Affects only the specific element where the style is applied (and potentially its child elements, depending on the CSS properties used).
    • Example: <p style="color: blue;">This is a blue paragraph.</p>
    • Best use: Quick, element-specific styling, or testing.

  • Internal CSS:

    • Placed inside a <style> element within the <head> section of the HTML document.

    • Applies styles to all matching elements within that specific HTML page.

    • Example:

      <!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
p {
  color: blue;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>

<p>This is a blue paragraph.</p>

</body>
</html>

    • Best use: Single-page websites or when specific styles are unique to one page.

  • External CSS:

    • Written in a separate .css file.
    • Linked to HTML documents using the <link> tag in the <head>.
    • Example: <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">
    • Best use: Large websites, consistent styling across multiple pages, easier maintenance.

Choosing the Right Method

The best place to write your CSS depends on the scope and complexity of your project.

Method Location Scope Advantages Disadvantages Use Case
Inline Inside HTML tag using the style attribute. Specific HTML element. Quick styling of a single element. Difficult to maintain, not reusable. Small, element-specific changes.
Internal Within <style> tag in HTML's <head>. All matching elements on a single HTML page. Easy to implement, good for single-page sites. Not reusable across multiple pages. Single-page websites, unique page styling.
External Separate .css file. Multiple HTML pages. Reusable, easy to maintain, best for large projects. Requires an extra file, may increase load time. Large websites, consistent styling across pages.

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