Learning advanced CSS

Question

Hi friends,

I know basic CSS to the point that I can write simple style sheets which actually adds simple decoration to the html elements. (like border, text-color, background, font etc.)

But I just realized that CSS is much more than that. One can actually build menus, tabs, arrange divs to come up with a http://news.google.com sort of page layout. And I want to know all these nifty tricks now.

Any book which you guys would like to suggest which can help me in learning these things? Any online video tutorial which you would like to share is also welcome.

Cheers !!

[Please be nice while replying :-) ]

Answer 1

Here's one I found an excellent book to read:

CSS Mastery

A site with excellent examples of really just about everything you cna do with CSS

CSS Play

Answer 2

The Zen of CSS Design was key when I was first learning how to use CSS for layout instead of tables.

Answer 3

I don't have any books but I tend to have a look at http://www.mezzoblue.com/zengarden/resources/ . I have been using since I found the CSS Zen Garden and find it quite useful

Answer 4

The guru of CSS is Eric Meyer. I recommend browsing his articles at http://meyerweb.com/eric/css/ and checking out his books (listed on that page as well).

One virtue of using Eric as your primary source is that "advanced" CSS can sometimes lead to poorly constructed CSS that is difficult to maintain; Eric will never steer you wrong in this way.

Answer 5

Obviously, this is not a book, but one of the best tools to learn CSS is Firebug. You can see the current styles and change them dynamically on ANY web page. If you see something you like, use Firebug to inspect it. Then change some of the values. Instant gratification.

Also familiarize yourself with these projects: Blueprint CSS & The YUI CSS Foundataion

Answer 6

Here's a good book for advanced CSS techniques: http://www.amazon.com/CSS-Mastery-Advanced-Standards-Solutions/dp/1590596145

Answer 7

I think that Eric Meyer's CSS: The Definitive Guide is excellent for both a learning book and a reference. He does a good job of explaining all the ins and outs of CSS but it's written in such a way that you can understand it even if you go in not knowing any CSS (which is what I did).

Answer 8

My personal favorite right now is the one I used to learn : Stylin' with CSS
If you have some basic knowledge of how to change elements but want to learn how inheritance and larger-scale schemes and formats work, I'd suggest it, as it's not for complete beginners but it starts slow enough to give you as much information as you'll ever need, and more.

Answer 9

http://htmldog.com/ is an excellent place to start learning code, as well as the theories of web design.

Answer 10

CSS Mastery is a great start. To go even more advanced I also recommend Andy Clarke's Transcending CSS.

And two good online resources which haven't been mentioned:

• A List Apart
• 24ways

They do have a broader focus, but that's mostly because lead the pack and covered the vitals very early, so have a look in the archives, especially on A List Apart. E.g. the Sliding Doors article from 2003(!) is still among the better ways to make a tabbed navigation today.

Oh, and I almost forgot, the CSS Discuss mailing list. I've lost count how many times I've gotten help there when I've been stuck.