When we talk about web development, you should know that the whole structure of a webpage is based on two ends; the front end and the back end. The front end includes the whole webpage, its interactive features, and the overall design of the webpage. In comparison, the back-end is more about dealing with logic and databases.
However, when we talk about front-end development of any webpage, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are the trios you must have full knowledge of. Though JavaScript isn’t just front-end, it has some frameworks that can be used for back-end development.
CSS and JavaScript are completely different as CSS is crucial for building blocks on the web, and every creative design we see on a webpage is done through CSS. And here, we have compared the difference between the two languages. So let’s get started with it.
Understand the Difference Between CSS and Javascript
Before jumping into the differences between JavaScript and CSS, it is worth mentioning a little about HTML. HTML is the hypertext markup language that defines the whole structure of a particular website. That structure is further designed and developed with CSS.
CSS, or Cascading Style Sheet, is a style sheet language used to add design to HTML elements on a webpage. CSS ensures that the elements created on HTML are not dull and acts like an outer cover for HTML elements displayed on a webpage.
The style sheet is compatible with all devices and makes webpage maintenance faster and easier. Furthermore, the styling sheet supports spontaneous and consistent changes and enhances the search engine capabilities that help crawl through webpages. One of the unique features of CSS is its ability to reposition elements.
Whereas, when we talk about JavaScript, it is a lightweight, interpreted scripting language. The language is cross-platform and is well-known for developing web pages and adding interactive features.
What’s unique about this language is that it can be used for both client-side and server-side scripting. Unlike CSS, the language’s prime goal is to work on logical elements like control structures, statements, and operators.
Furthermore, the language also contains objects like Dates, Math, and Arrays. Thanks to JavaScript, the websites we use now are dynamic, and before JavaScript, websites were mostly static as they were built on HTML and CSS. JavaScript also has functions that can be treated as objects and passed as arguments in other functions.
Which To Learn First: JavaScript or CSS?
If you are thinking of getting started with web development but can’t choose the order between JavaScript and CSS, then we are here to help you. Undoubtedly, both languages are great for web development. You can easily create beautiful designs with CSS, and with JavaScript, you can make a fully functional and interactive website.
However, if we talk about the proper order for these languages, if you want to be a web developer, then the first language you should start learning is HTML, as it will help define the whole structure of a webpage. Once you are done designing the basic structure of a particular webpage, learning CSS is recommended.
CSS will help you present the structure of a webpage in a representable manner. With CSS, you can create borders, add colors, and customize the whole webpage according to your requirements. Once you are done with that, feel free to add your JavaScript knowledge to your webpage. With JavaScript, you can make your static website fully functional.
Why use CSS and JavaScript instead of a Framework?
If you have this question in mind, you should know that there is only one major reason for using JavaScript and CSS over a framework. One would use vanilla JavaScript and CSS over a framework mainly because it is easier for beginners and it will help you learn the base material.
Though frameworks and even libraries like jQuery make the job easy when building complex applications, you must learn the basics: JavaScript and CSS, before learning any framework. This will help you better understand the framework, as you will already know the basics.
The frameworks might be even faster than CSS and JavaScript, but on the downside, they are way too complex for a beginner, and if you are learning web development, then chances are that you might struggle with a framework.
Best way to learn JavaScript and CSS?
If you are looking for the best way to learn JavaScript and CSS, then you are at the right place. There are a few ways through which you can learn JavaScript and CSS. However, practicing as much as possible is crucial no matter how you learn these languages.
You can think of programming as driving a car; no matter how theoretically and mentally prepared you are to drive a car, it’s no use if you aren’t doing it practically. One of the best ways of learning JavaScript and CSS is through free resources on the web. Sites like FreeCodeCamp and W3Schools are excellent resources, as well as yours truly!
You can also watch video tutorials and follow them, though this method requires you to stay determined as you will see your learning results over time. Practice makes perfect, and following along with video tutorials will yield the best results. You can learn these languages by building your website from scratch, and this is a great way to learn and will help you understand JavaScript and CSS much better than the other two methods.
FAQs
Is CSS better than Javascript?
No, both languages have their role to play. CSS is used for styling webpage components, whereas JavaScript makes a webpage more interactive, and dynamic features can be added. So it is impossible to conclude that any language is superior.
Is CSS or Javascript easier?
CSS and JavaScript both have their level of difficulty. CSS errors are less troublesome, whereas grasping and mastering JavaScript takes longer. Furthermore, CSS doesn’t require logic like JavaScript and is more related to the design and looks of a webpage.
How old is CSS?
The first version of CSS was invented in 1996 and updated later.
Is it worth it to learn CSS?
Yes! Despite the growth of technology and the introduction of new languages. CSS is still valued and used by numerous tech and IT companies.
