Preprocessed CSS
Preprocessed CSS refers to the use of CSS preprocessors, which are scripting languages that extend CSS with features like variables, nesting, mixins, and functions, then compile into standard CSS. These tools enhance CSS development by making stylesheets more maintainable, modular, and efficient, while adhering to browser compatibility. Popular preprocessors include Sass, Less, and Stylus, each offering unique syntax and capabilities.
Developers should learn preprocessed CSS when working on large-scale web projects where CSS maintenance becomes complex, as it reduces code duplication and improves organization through features like variables and mixins. It's particularly useful in team environments for enforcing consistency and in responsive design for managing breakpoints and themes efficiently. Use cases include building reusable component libraries, managing design systems, and streamlining CSS workflows in modern front-end frameworks.