What CSS can and cannot do

Sorting out some confusion

[DrDoc]

CSS is the one part of a Web page that can be 100% left out. CSS cannot be used alone, it always need a full HTML page.

CSS cannot create content - it can only manipulate existing content.

CSS only changes the way a page looks, not how it works.

CSS is not a programming language, or even a scripting language. In fact, it's not any kind of language. It's a set of rules, rules as verbose as telling the painter: "Make my house red, with white trim around the windows."

The paint will not add a garage to your house. It can only change the way the garage looks.

CSS works as a template - which is why it is so powerful. You can use the same style sheet for hundreds (or millions) of pages, all with completely different HTML structure.

[skipfactor]

CSS can significantly reduce your page size compared to using tables.

I'm trying it on a new index that I previously built with tables and the same page is 3 times smaller using CSS. Thanks for all of the tips here.

[drbrain]

CSS can add bits of decoration called generated content [w3.org] (not to be confused with content) such as counters, images, attributes, quotes, and strings of text.

[stever]

While it may not add a garage to your house, it can move it to the left, or the right, or underground or on the first floor, depending on your mood at any time.

Outside toilet or underground sauna? Your choice...

[DrDoc]

LOL

Great post, stever! ;)

[Nick_W]

Sprays coffee......! ;)

Nick

[BlobFisk]

CSS can be used to increase you sites accessibility and usability.

CSS can be used to great advantage in SEO.

[edit_g]

CSS can be used to induce a headache.

CSS can lead to moments of inspiration and revelation.