Exploring Modern CSS Workflows: Do Developers Still Write Styles by Hand?
In the fast-evolving world of web development, workflows and best practices are constantly shifting, often raising questions—even among seasoned professionals. Recently, a backend developer new to the front end asked an interesting question: Do developers still hand-write CSS from scratch, or is there a different approach?
This novice developer found CSS, particularly utility-first frameworks like Tailwind CSS, to be incredibly verbose and somewhat daunting. They wondered whether experienced front-end developers simply craft styles by hand from a blank slate, or whether they primarily start with templates, boilerplate code, or even leverage AI-powered code generators to expedite the process.
The Shift Towards Reusable Components and Templates
In contemporary development workflows, reliance on pre-made templates and component libraries has become commonplace. Many developers kick off projects with a core set of styles—be it through CSS frameworks, pre-designed templates, or component libraries—and then tailor these to fit the specific needs of the project. This approach not only accelerates development but also ensures consistency across various parts of a website.
Do Developers Write CSS from Scratch?
While some developers, especially those working on highly unique or complex designs, still write CSS by hand for ultimate control, the majority of routine styling is now handled through:
- Component-based frameworks: Such as Tailwind CSS, Bootstrap, or Material-UI, which provide utility classes and components to streamline development.
- Template reuse: Starting with a solid foundation or boilerplate that can be customized.
- Design systems and style guides: Ensuring uniformity and reducing the need to reinvent styles for each project.
- Code generation tools: Increasingly, AI and code snippets assist developers in creating boilerplate or even complex styles, making manual coding less necessary.
A Modern Developer’s Workflow
An experienced front-end developer’s typical process often involves:
- Selecting a base framework or template suited to the project’s design requirements.
- Customizing existing components or styles to match branding and functionality.
- Augmenting with hand-written CSS only where specific adjustments are needed.
- Employing design tokens, CSS variables, or theme configurations to maintain consistency.
Conclusion
The landscape of CSS development has transformed dramatically. While foundational knowledge and manual CSS writing are still valuable skills—especially for nuanced design control—the emphasis has shifted toward efficient reuse, automation, and modular design. Whether starting from scratch or tweaking a template, modern workflows aim
