Origins and uses of CSS cascading style sheets

rico — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:46:06 +0000

CSS was originally developed in 1997, so that web designers could define the look and feel of their Web pages more efficiently. CSS essentially separates the content of a site from its design. This means that HTML can be utilised for the purpose that it was originally intended - the markup of content.

Most web design courses have modules specifically intended to teach students about style sheets and style sheets only. This is how important thay have become to the design of the web sites they are linked with.

CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheet. The ‘style sheet’ refers to the document itself, and cascading refers to the fact that a web style sheet is intended to cascade through a series of style sheets. This means that a number of style sheets can be used for the same web page.

Style sheets have been used for document design for years. They are the technical specifications for a layout, whether print or online. Print designers use style sheets to insure that their designs are printed exactly to specifications. A style sheet for a Web page serves the same purpose, but with the added functionality of also telling the Internet browser how to render the document being viewed.

CSS affects the entire web site. It can completely change the mood and tone of a website, and as such is an incredibly valuable tool when designing. A cascading style sheet allows you to maintain consistency throughout your site and this is particularly important for those using a website as part of an online business. Consistency in your design exhibits a high degree of professionalism and because your website will provide the first impression of your company to a visitor it is essential to make this a good, lasting impression.

If you are serious about your website it is vital that you become accustomed with the advantages CSS provides. While initially cascading style sheets may seem confusing, acquiring expertise in this web design technique means that you will be able to capitalise on this newfound expertise a give your online business the boost it needs.

This article was written by Peter Hinton.
To find out more about web design courses and distance learning please visit http://www.skillstrainuk.com

Design Blog Welcome

rico — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:49:11 +0000

Welcome to the Design Blogs.

This blog aims to provide articles on art and design topics including:

Web Design : CSS 2 -XHTML - Photoshop - Dreamweaver and others
Photography : Personal photographic images icluding photoshop techniques
Music Production : Personal music productions and Cubase audio info

If you would like to contribute to this blog, or would like to comment please do so.