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css-architecture

css architecture

SKILL.md

Full skill instructions

CSS Architecture

Table of Contents

Overview

Build maintainable CSS systems using methodologies like BEM (Block Element Modifier), SMACSS, and CSS-in-JS patterns with proper organization and conventions.

When to Use

  • Large-scale stylesheets
  • Component-based styling
  • Design system development
  • Multiple team collaboration
  • CSS scalability and reusability

Quick Start

Minimal working example:

/* Block - standalone component */
.button {
  display: inline-block;
  padding: 10px 20px;
  border: none;
  border-radius: 4px;
  cursor: pointer;
  font-size: 16px;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

/* Element - component part */
.button__icon {
  margin-right: 8px;
  vertical-align: middle;
}

/* Modifier - variant */
.button--primary {
  background-color: #007bff;
  color: white;
}

.button--primary:hover {
  background-color: #0056b3;
// ... (see reference guides for full implementation)

Reference Guides

Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:

GuideContents
BEM (Block Element Modifier) PatternBEM (Block Element Modifier) Pattern
SMACSS (Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS)SMACSS (Scalable and Modular Architecture for CSS)
CSS-in-JS with Styled ComponentsCSS-in-JS with Styled Components
CSS Variables (Custom Properties)CSS Variables (Custom Properties)
Utility-First CSS (Tailwind Pattern)Utility-First CSS (Tailwind Pattern)

Best Practices

✅ DO

  • Follow established patterns and conventions
  • Write clean, maintainable code
  • Add appropriate documentation
  • Test thoroughly before deploying

❌ DON'T

  • Skip testing or validation
  • Ignore error handling
  • Hard-code configuration values