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

Not super well supported just yet (IE 11)
No good fallback other than manual fallback
Syntax - Old Browsers, Fallbacks and Polyfills series
- Part 1
- Part 2
- Part 3
PostCSS Custom Properties

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Hasty Treat - Uses for CSS Variables

Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats