Josh Comeau, creator of CSS for JavaScript developers course, discusses why CSS is challenging, the importance of learning CSS, and lessons from his course launch. Topics include struggles with CSS vs JavaScript, gaining confidence in CSS skills, challenges of content creation, successful course launch reflections, and future course ideas.
Mastering CSS requires patience and intentional learning through documentation and exploring specifications.
Transitioning from uncertainty to confidence in CSS demands dedication, persistence, and a deepening of knowledge.
Deep dives
Understanding the Challenge of Learning CSS
Many developers struggle with learning CSS due to the lack of immediate feedback and error messages compared to programming languages like JavaScript or TypeScript. CSS properties can behave unexpectedly, leading to frustration and a need for constant Googling for solutions. The process of mastering CSS involves patience and intentional learning through reading documentation, asking questions, and exploring the CSS specifications to gain a deep understanding of its concepts.
Transitioning from Shaky CSS Skills to Confidence
Transitioning from feeling shaky about CSS to feeling confident requires intentional learning and gradual improvement. By dedicating time to understanding why CSS properties behave the way they do, such as delving into documentation and seeking clarity on specifications, individuals can build their proficiency over time. The journey from uncertainty to confidence in CSS skills is an ongoing process that involves persistence and a willingness to deepen one's knowledge.
The Impact of CSS Confidence on Career and Applications
Gaining confidence in CSS not only enhances the ability to work smoothly without fear of unexpected CSS behaviors but also contributes to career opportunities. Employers value CSS skills alongside JavaScript frameworks like React, as demonstrated by interview projects involving CSS elements. Developing proficiency in CSS can set individuals apart in job applications and project executions, showcasing a well-rounded skill set beyond JavaScript expertise.
The Importance of Learning CSS Proactively
Amid the availability of CSS frameworks and tools aimed at simplifying styling tasks, a proactive approach to learning CSS remains crucial. While tools like Bootstrap or Material UI offer pre-styled components, they may pose challenges when customization or overwriting styles is necessary. Understanding CSS fundamentals and working directly on styling components from scratch can provide a more versatile and comprehensive skill set, allowing individuals to navigate styling challenges effectively, even within framework-based projects.
Josh is the creator of CSS for JavaScript developers, an interactive course that helps JavaScript developers become confident with CSS. Josh has worked as a senior engineer for organizations like Khan academy, DigitalOcean and Gatsby, as well as taught for Journey education, developing curriculum and leading web-development courses at Concordia University.
In this episode, Josh and I talk about his new course, CSS for JavaScript developers. We talk about why so many find CSS hard to learn and frustrating to work with, and we talk about how to learn CSS. We also talk about what Josh has learned from launching his first course.