Comparison between extensive CSS and extensive HTML

Would it be more beneficial to limit the number of classes and IDs in your HTML code to keep it compact, or is it preferable to embrace nested CSS for a more organized structure?

Here are some advantages of each approach:

Advantages of using minimal nested CSS rules:

  • Reduced CSS file size
  • Efficient targeting of elements within the CSS
  • Possibly quicker rendering times (though this is not confirmed)

Advantages of using multiple nested CSS rules:

  • Consistently small HTML file sizes across the website
  • Caching of CSS files
  • Better code organization (especially useful with LESS)

Thank you.

Answer №1

In my opinion, prioritizing large CSS files over large HTML files is the way to go. CSS can be cached, leading to faster page load times with less HTML code. While having more classes can provide flexibility, using CSS selectors efficiently can still achieve a lot. The only time I see adding bulk to HTML being beneficial is for SEO purposes; take a look at microformats for an example.

When it comes to accuracy, there shouldn't be any room for error (even considering human mistakes). In terms of speed, I don't believe complex CSS selectors have a significant impact on performance. Remember, all rendering is done on the client-side, so server workload isn't affected by CSS complexity.

Answer №2

I fully agree with Wex regarding the importance of CSS caching to optimize performance by favoring more CSS and less HTML.

In response to your query about whether it's better to minimize classes and ids in HTML or use nested CSS rules extensively, it is recommended for rendering performance to prioritize flat selectors over nested ones. Browser engines match selectors right-to-left, so using a selector like .list-item-first instead of ul li:first-child can lead to marginally better performance. However, this approach may require more effort in maintenance. Ultimately, the impact on stylesheet size will likely be minimal, making it a matter of personal preference.

For further information on CSS rendering performance, refer to Google's best practices guide.

Answer №3

It is my strong belief that excessive nesting in CSS should be avoided at all costs. One of the drawbacks of using nested CSS styling is that it restricts the reusability of your code. I suggest looking into the principles of Object-Oriented CSS (OOCSS), which emphasizes the importance of avoiding location-dependent styles.

The core idea behind OOCSS is that an object's appearance should remain consistent regardless of its placement on a page. Instead of targeting specific elements like <h2> with .myObject h2 {...}, it is recommended to create classes that describe the element, such as <h2 class="category">.

To delve deeper into why relying too heavily on CSS selectors can be restrictive, take a look at my response here.

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