CSS Preprocessors
CSS preprocessors are scripting languages that extend the capabilities of standard CSS by adding features like variables, nesting, mixins, and functions. They compile into regular CSS that browsers can interpret, enabling developers to write more maintainable, modular, and efficient stylesheets. Popular examples include Sass, Less, and Stylus, which streamline CSS development by reducing repetition and improving code organization.
Developers should learn CSS preprocessors when working on large-scale web projects where CSS becomes complex and hard to manage, as they enhance productivity and code maintainability. They are particularly useful for implementing design systems, handling responsive designs, and automating repetitive tasks like vendor prefixing, making them essential in modern front-end workflows.