When I start writing a new stylesheet, the first thing I like to include is a CSS reset. This helps me start with a clean slate and ensures consistent rendering across different browsers. One of the popular CSS resets I often use is Eric Meyer’s CSS Reset, which sets all HTML elements to a consistent baseline, eliminating browser defaults and inconsistencies.
After the reset, I then like to define some global styles for elements such as body, headings, and paragraphs. Setting a base font size, line height, and default colors at the beginning makes it easier to maintain consistency throughout the project. This also helps in making the website more accessible as it sets a clear foundation for text styles.
Additionally, I find it helpful to include a box-sizing declaration early in my stylesheet. By setting box-sizing: border-box;, I ensure that padding and borders are included in the element’s total width and height. This simplifies layout calculations and prevents unexpected layout issues.
Another key element I add at the beginning of my CSS is a consistent and accessible color palette. I like to define custom CSS variables for colors that are used throughout the project. This approach not only helps in maintaining a consistent color scheme but also allows for easy color adjustments across the entire website.
I also make it a point to include a section for utility classes early on. These utility classes, such as .text-center or .hide, can be incredibly handy for making quick adjustments in the markup without having to add new CSS rules each time.
Conclusion
Getting the beginning of a CSS file right sets a strong foundation for the entire project. By including a CSS reset, global styles, box-sizing, color palette, and utility classes early on, it becomes easier to maintain consistency, manage layout, and make global design changes. These steps are essential for creating a scalable and maintainable stylesheet.