How to use selectors and specificity in CSS

What to know about selectors and specificity in CSS

Selectors decide which declarations apply. Learn the cascade, specificity, and how to keep styles predictable. This chapter explains the concept, demonstrates a practical example, and gives you a guided exercise.

How to use selectors and specificity in CSS

Write a rule with a clear selector and declarations, then inspect the cascade in browser developer tools. Prefer reusable classes, responsive units, and visible focus styles.

Example: selectors and specificity in CSS

Use this example as a starting point. Identify the part that controls the result, then adapt it to your own page or project.

.card h2 { color: #111827; }
#nav .active { color: #2563eb; }

Common questions about selectors and specificity

When should I use selectors and specificity?

Use this technique when it expresses the structure, styling, or behavior your page needs. Keep the implementation focused and test it with the surrounding content.

What should I practice next?

Style a responsive card with readable type, consistent spacing, a clear focus state, and a layout that adapts to a narrow screen.