Cascading Style Sheets training allows Internet developers to separate Web content from its presentation. With the skills taught in CSS courses, Web designers can gain control over many features of a site’s design. For example, they can make changes to all or part of a Web document, in much less time than it would take using just HTML.
What does CSS training cover?
For those who are unfamiliar with the back end of website design, CSS courses can be eye-opening. Here are some fundamentals:
- Formatting: HTML was designed to define the content of a Web page, not to define the formatting. CSS techniques help bring more design to Web design.
- Frontloading: With CSS training, designers can pack a large portion of their formatting guidelines into the head of the HTML document. Standardized content coding is much easier this way.
- Efficiency: Since CSS formatting information stands apart from its HTML elements, designers can create sweeping changes in look and layout with just a few keystrokes.
Here is a short list of some specific topics taught in CSS courses:
- Proper syntax for Cascading Style Sheets
- Absolute and relative positioning
- Ordered and unordered list formatting
- Layering with the z-index property
- Class inheritance
- Typefaces and font characteristics
The California government Web Tools page explains how to use this technology and offers an example of what CSS code looks like.
Who should consider CSS courses?
Most people with design experience could gain valuable career skills from CSS training, but certain characteristics make for excellent candidates:
- Solid understanding of HTML or XHTML
- Willingness to move beyond outdated Web design standards
- Ambition or experience in a graphic design field
- Ability to hand-code for the Web
Recent college graduates from programs such as communication design may also be very well suited to Cascading Style Sheets courses. Application of the skills taught in CSS courses can be enhanced with knowledge in the following areas:
- Use of negative space
- Color theory
- Layering of visual elements
- Familiarity with graphic design software
Ultimately, all those with a shared interest in computers and the visual arts can take some career value away from CSS training. Courses can help teach coders how to design and designers how to code.
Are there any jobs that require CSS training?
These days, it’s implied in most Web design job postings that candidates will have some type of CSS experience. Fortunately for ambitious designers, many aspects of CSS can be learned online, at home, on a student’s own time.
Employers infrequently request formal CSS certifications, unlike many other IT technologies where certification is required. Those seeking a career boost from CSS training can look into online options or check with the design department of a local technical institute, college or university.
