CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, is the language used to style and layout web pages. It works with HTML to control the visual presentation of a website.
What is CSS?
CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. It's a programming language that describes how HTML elements should be displayed on screen. Think of HTML as the skeleton of a webpage and CSS as the skin, clothes, and makeup that define its look.
Why is this important?
For freelancers, CSS is a non-negotiable core skill for web work. It allows you to turn a basic HTML structure into a polished, professional, and user-friendly website for clients. Mastering CSS directly increases the quality of your deliverables and your market value.
How does it work?
You write CSS rules that target HTML elements. A rule consists of a selector (like 'h1' or '.button') and a declaration block. Inside the block, you set properties (like 'color' or 'font-size') to specific values (like 'blue' or '16px').
Pros and cons
Key advantages include powerful visual control, separation of content and style for easier maintenance, and responsive design capabilities. Potential challenges are browser compatibility issues and a learning curve for complex layouts, though frameworks can help.
Conclusion
CSS is essential for creating modern, attractive websites. As a freelancer, investing time to learn CSS thoroughly will pay off in your ability to execute client visions effectively. It remains a foundational pillar of web development.

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