Final week I had the privilege of attending CSS Day for the second yr in a row (and MCing the second day!). I’ve to say it’s just about probably the most inspiring convention I’ve ever been to. Proper off the bat, Una hit the nail on the pinnacle when she stated that (paraphrasing) if we thought 2022 was a very good yr for CSS, we ain’t seen nothin’ but.
Una’s speak was a whistle-stop tour of an enormous variety of options not too long ago or simply about to be launched, which was mind-blowing in itself, however what was much more placing was the variety of options she didn’t even have time to cowl — an entire slide’s price. It illustrates the blazing tempo at which CSS is evolving proper now, which as a CSS particular person, I’m very pleased to see.
However I can perceive why some individuals who aren’t fairly as deeply immersed on this planet of CSS may be involved about maintaining. It’s clear that corporations don’t worth CSS expertise in the identical approach as, say Javascript — which is mirrored in pay disparity, bootcamp priorities, and the shortage of visibility in job descriptions. It’s not unusual to see entrance finish job specs itemizing React, Redux, Typescript and extra, with barely a passing point out of HTML and CSS, regardless of being core internet applied sciences. New builders are inspired to be taught simply sufficient CSS to get by, quite than domesticate a deep data and appreciation for the language, and that’s mirrored within the messy, convoluted code, riddled with unhealthy practices, that many people need to clear up afterwards.
I’m not going to invest on all of the explanation why that is, as loads of others have their very own theories. However for me, being at CSS Day felt concurrently energising and heartbreaking: whereas it was improbable to spend two days within the firm of so many individuals who care about our chosen craft, it was additionally a reminder that it’s one of many solely locations it’s actually valued.
Then again, one or two individuals talked about that the CSS neighborhood appears actively hostile in the direction of JS, which is an actual disgrace. I don’t suppose it’s true for probably the most half (many people are JS builders, and have a much more nuanced opinion), however we are able to actually come throughout as having a chip on our shoulder. It actually doesn’t assist these from exterior of our bubble really feel welcome, and I feel we should be acutely aware of that within the language we use. Taking an adversarial strategy to internet improvement would not do us any favours after we need to construct an even bigger tent, not shut others out.
Una ended her speak with a call-to-arms to exit into the world and share our CSS data, to construct the CSS neighborhood. I can’t assist considering that’s important if we need to set up correct appreciation of CSS expertise.
CSS for all
One other factor that was notable was Google’s dominance on this planet of CSS. In addition to two audio system (and one MC) from the Chrome Dev Rel workforce, Google additionally sponsored the assistance desk, and hosted a panel throughout one of many breaks. Whereas I’m glad that Google is investing in CSS, I’m barely cautious of the shortage of illustration of different browsers. I don’t understand how we deal with that as a neighborhood, aside from different browsers stepping up and placing ahead their very own representatives. As Paul Robert Lloyd places it:
An internet dictated by Google can be an actual tragedy.
The online wants numerous voices to thrive, and it shouldn’t come down to at least one firm to find out the way forward for its elementary constructing blocks.
Levelling up
Manuel closed out the convention with a rundown of some superior new options he found in his explorations of recent CSS and the way we are able to use these in sensible methods. It was nice to see how he had levelled up his CSS data, and is a well timed reminder that every one that’s actually wanted is a little bit of time, care and focus. Individuals like Manuel documenting their expertise are a part of what makes the neighborhood nice, and a part of how we are able to broaden it to incorporate extra individuals.
I can’t look ahead to subsequent yr’s CSS Day, however I additionally hope that within the meantime there can be extra specialist CSS occasions to become involved with.
Some extra write-ups:
