📚 3 min read

Modern CSS & SCSS Patterns

Learn modern CSS methodologies and SCSS patterns for scalable applications.

Core Concepts

• CSS Architecture: Scalable and maintainable CSS patterns
• SCSS Features: Leveraging preprocessor capabilities
• Methodologies: BEM and other naming conventions
• Responsive Design: Mobile-first approach

Available Guides

CSS Fundamentals

• CSS Patterns - Modern CSS patterns and best practices
• SCSS Patterns - Advanced SCSS techniques
• HTML Patterns - Semantic HTML and accessibility

Methodologies

• BEM Methodology - Block Element Modifier pattern
• Single Direction Spacing - Consistent spacing
• Lobotomized Owl - Advanced CSS selectors

Quick Examples

Modern CSS Features

// CSS Custom Properties
:root {
  --primary-color: #007bff;
  --secondary-color: #6c757d;
  --spacing-unit: 8px;
  --border-radius: 4px;
  --transition-speed: 200ms;
}

// Modern Layout with Grid
.grid-layout {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(250px, 1fr));
  gap: calc(var(--spacing-unit) * 2);
  padding: var(--spacing-unit);
}

// Flexbox Components
.card {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  padding: calc(var(--spacing-unit) * 2);
  border-radius: var(--border-radius);
  transition: transform var(--transition-speed) ease;

  &:hover {
    transform: translateY(-2px);
  }
}

// Modern CSS Features
.button {
  background: var(--primary-color);
  border: none;
  border-radius: var(--border-radius);
  padding: var(--spacing-unit) calc(var(--spacing-unit) * 2);
  color: white;
  transition: all var(--transition-speed) ease;

  &:is(:hover, :focus) {
    background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--primary-color) 85%, white);
  }

  &:active {
    transform: scale(0.98);
  }
}

SCSS Mixins

// Responsive Breakpoints
@mixin respond-to($breakpoint) {
  @if $breakpoint == "small" {
    @media (min-width: 576px) { @content; }
  } @else if $breakpoint == "medium" {
    @media (min-width: 768px) { @content; }
  } @else if $breakpoint == "large" {
    @media (min-width: 992px) { @content; }
  }
}

// Flex Center
@mixin flex-center {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}

// Typography Scale
@mixin font-size($size) {
  font-size: $size;
  line-height: calc($size * 1.5);
}

// Usage Example
.container {
  @include flex-center;
  padding: var(--spacing-unit);

  @include respond-to('medium') {
    padding: calc(var(--spacing-unit) * 2);
  }
}

.heading {
  @include font-size(2rem);
  margin-bottom: var(--spacing-unit);
}

BEM Pattern

.card {
  &__header {
    padding: var(--spacing-unit);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
  }

  &__content {
    padding: calc(var(--spacing-unit) * 2);
  }

  &__footer {
    padding: var(--spacing-unit);
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
  }

  &--featured {
    border: 2px solid var(--primary-color);
  }
}

Best Practices

1. CSS Architecture

   • Use CSS custom properties for theming
   • Implement consistent spacing system
   • Follow single responsibility principle

2. Responsive Design

   • Use mobile-first approach
   • Implement fluid typography
   • Create flexible layouts

3. Performance

   • Minimize specificity conflicts
   • Optimize critical rendering path
   • Use efficient selectors

4. Maintainability

   • Follow naming conventions
   • Document component patterns
   • Create reusable mixins

5. Accessibility

   • Ensure proper contrast
   • Support reduced motion
   • Implement focus states