CSS Variables: How and When to use them?

Phot cred: InfyOm

If you’ve ever dealt with a sizable codebase where adding custom CSS to each element feels like a big confusion, then CSS variables are the solution to a cleaner, more manageable code. Let’s dive into what CSS variables are and explore how and when to leverage them.

What is a CSS Variable?

In computer programming, a variable is a unit that stores an assigned value. Variables are fundamental to all computer programs because they let computers store and manipulate information.

Even though it’s not technically a programming language, CSS has its version of variables. CSS variables, also called custom properties, are a special feature that works a little differently than traditionally written CSS. Let’s delve into the benefits of CSS variables, explore how to incorporate fallbacks for compatibility, and draw parallels to programming variables.

How to Declare CSS Variables:

In CSS, declaring a custom property involves using a prefix of two dashes ( — ). This prefix, followed by the property name (e.g., — main-bg-color), allows you to reference the value in multiple places. The beauty lies in the simplicity and semantic clarity. For instance, — main-text-colour is more readable than the hexadecimal color #00ff00, especially when the color is used in various contexts.

:root {
  --main-bg-color: brown;
}

body {
  background-color: var(--main-bg-color);
}

In this example, the custom property — main-bg-color is declared in the :root selector and then utilized in the body selector. This simplicity enhances readability, making your CSS more maintainable

CSS variables streamline your code, offering a central hub for values that need consistency. By declaring custom properties, you not only make your code more readable but also simplify the process of making global changes. So, when faced with a sprawling codebase, consider the power of CSS variables to enhance organization and efficiency.

Fallbacks in CSS Variables:

While CSS variables offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider fallbacks for compatibility, particularly with older browsers that might not support them fully.

Here’s how you can incorporate fallbacks :

:root {
  --main-bg-color: brown;
}

body {
  background-color: var(--main-bg-color, #663300);
}

In this example, — main-bg-color is set to brown by default. However, the background-color property includes a fallback value (#663300) in case the browser lacks full support for CSS variables. This ensures a graceful degradation of styles, maintaining a consistent appearance across browsers.

Benefits of CSS Variables:

Centralized Control:
CSS variables allow you to centralize control by defining values in one place and referencing them throughout your document. This central hub simplifies the process of making global changes, ensuring consistency across your styles.

Readability and Semantics:
Naming conventions like — main-text-color offer semantic clarity compared to hexadecimal values. This not only enhances readability but also makes it easier to understand the purpose of a particular variable, especially when reused in various contexts.

Ease of Maintenance:
With CSS variables, you can effortlessly maintain your code. Changes to a variable propagate throughout the document, eliminating the need for extensive search and replace operations. This efficiency saves time and minimizes the risk of errors.

CSS variables, akin to programming variables, empower you to streamline your code efficiently. By combining centralized control, semantic clarity, and ease of maintenance, CSS variables elevate your styling capabilities while providing a safety net for varying browser support.