Understanding the difference between a variable and a css class

Understand the difference in use cases between a variable and a CSS class in just one minute [Easy front-end web development].

Key points to remember

In this article, I'm going to explain the difference between a CSS class and a variable as concretely and synthetically as possible, so that you understand how to use them effectively.

Variable VS CSS class

A variable is style data (size, color, font, etc.).

→ One variable = One style

A CSS class, on the other hand, is like a "folder" that groups together several styles (size, color, font, spacing, and even variables). It is applied to HTML elements to give them a different design.

→ A CSS class = One or more grouped styles

💡 Tip: Variables can be attached to one or more CSS classes, making style updates more fluid and manageable on websites.

Application examples

In practice, a style change in a CSS class will only affect HTML elements with that same class. And on a "big" site, as classes multiply, global adjustments such as colors or spacing can become long and complicated.

In contrast, a variable is a more dynamic value. Once its property has been modified, it will automatically update itself wherever it is used in your CSS classes.

In short, when used properly, one can't go without the other in front-end development. Connecting variables to your CSS classes allows you to :