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CSS

Daniel Kip
Daniel Kip
5,922 Points

pseudo elements vs real elements?

I would like to simply know: when does a pseudo element becomes for useful than, let's say, placing an image next to a download button and giving it the usual set of css rules?

Thanks a lot for the patience.

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,007 Points

There's usually more than one way to do any particular thing using HTML and CSS combined. So if what you want to do can be done with or without using a pseudo-element, and the level of difficulty is similar, perhaps a pseudo-element is not a good choice for that situation.

But there are other situations, some of which are described on the page Jacob suggested, where using a pseudo-element can get the job done much more easily. These are the times where the pseudo-element is a good choice.

Remember, your skills are like a toolbox, you pick the tool that does the best job in each situation.

Daniel Kip
Daniel Kip
5,922 Points

Steven, the toolbox comparison really sums up the mindset I should keep in mind. I come across many possibilities with html and css and sometimes i get confused. Thank you for the patience and the effort answering my question.

There is so much you can do with pseudo elements, if you want take a look

css-tricks

Daniel Kip
Daniel Kip
5,922 Points

Jacob, the link is very useful, thank you for reading and answering.