Custom Properties
Custom Properties, also known as CSS Custom Properties or CSS Variables, are a feature in CSS that allows developers to define reusable values in a stylesheet, which can be referenced and manipulated dynamically. They enable the creation of themeable designs, consistent styling across components, and runtime value changes through JavaScript. This enhances maintainability and flexibility in web development by centralizing style definitions.
Developers should learn Custom Properties to build scalable and maintainable CSS codebases, especially in large projects or design systems where consistent theming is crucial. They are essential for creating dynamic user interfaces that adapt to user preferences (e.g., dark mode) or application states, as values can be updated in real-time without recompiling stylesheets. Use cases include theming web applications, responsive design adjustments, and reducing CSS duplication.