What is the method with the greatest specificity for applying styles: CSS or JS?

When writing code like the example below:

document.querySelector('input[type=text]').addEventListener('focus', function() {
  document.querySelector('#deletebutton').style.display = 'none'
})
input[type=text]:focus+#deletebutton {
  display: block;
}

input[type=text]:not(:focus)+#deletebutton {
  display: none;
}
<input type='text'>
<button id='deletebutton'>delete</button>
how it looks with a JavaScript event:

input[type=text]:focus+#deletebutton {
  display: block;
}

input[type=text]:not(:focus)+#deletebutton {
  display: none;
}
<input type='text'>
<button id='deletebutton'>delete</button>

It appears that JavaScript has more influence (higher priority) than CSS on the HTML button. The input element will adhere to the JavaScript eventListener rule and disregard the CSS pseudo-class (:focus).

Does this mean that CSS is less important than JavaScript?

Is the CSS focus event just a selector, while in JavaScript it's an eventListener which holds more significance?

Should I place the script in the header before the CSS stylesheet (currently placed in the body)?

Or am I completely off track?

Answer №1

Applying CSS follows the principle of "the most specific rule wins", which is explained in detail on this website.

When you directly modify the styling of one specific element, either through JavaScript using `element.style` or through HTML with a `style` attribute, that becomes the most specific rule and takes precedence over others.

The only exception to this is when using `!important` to override certain values. If you find yourself relying on `!important`, it may be a sign that your cascade or element hierarchy needs reevaluation.

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