CSS has come a long way since its inception, and today, developers have access to numerous resources and tools that can help them master this technology. There are several CSS books available for developers that cater to different levels of expertise, from beginners to experts. These books cover various topics, such as the basics of CSS, advanced layout techniques, typography, animation, and much more. Some of the best CSS books also cover the latest CSS features, such as Flexbox and Grid, that are crucial for creating responsive web designs.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer looking to improve your CSS skills, there is a book out there that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we will take a look at some of the important books for CSS which you can use to expand your knowledge and become a better web developer. Along with the books, Software Development courses for beginners will also help you master technologies that create seamless websites.
Best CSS Books for Beginners
Here are 15 top CSS books (Cascading Style Sheets) that cover a range of topics and skill levels. These are the best CSS books for CSS beginners and advanced levels.
1. The Book of CSS3: A Developer’s Guide to the Future of Web Design
- Author: Peter Gaston
- Publisher Info: No Strach Press
- Good Reads Rating: 4
- Year of Release: 2011
Overview:
- This introduction to CSS3 explains the programming language's features in simple English by translating its technical and complex terminology.
- It will instruct you on how to add 2D and 3D graphics to texts and pictures, as well as how to style texts with unique fonts. You will learn how to use grids and sections to organize a web page as well.
2. CSS: The Definitive Guide
- Author: Eric A. Meyer
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: 4.6
- Year of Release: April 2023
Book Info:
- Web designers who are interested in web page styling should read this text. It serves as a thorough application manual for CSS.
- It discusses the grid layout system, flexible box layouts, floats and positioning tips, and CSS padding.
3. CSS in Depth
- Author: Keith J. Grant
- Publisher Info: Manning
- Rating: 4.8
- Year of Publish: 2018
Book Info:
- The book introduces readers to astounding CSS methods. Because it is jam-packed with imaginative examples that lead readers along the learning journey, this CSS book is also highly suggested.
- It includes tips for avoiding typical mistakes. It also shows you how to maintain your code, use Flexbox and Grid, and create responsive designs.
4. CSS Master
- Author: Tiffany B. Brown
- Publisher Info: Sitepoint
- Rating: 4.8
- Year of Publish: 2021
Book Info:
- For web designers and front end web developers who want to advance their skills, CSS Master was created especially for them.
- The book serves as a comprehensive manual for writing effective code, utilizing next-level changes, and developing efficient debugging techniques.
5. CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions
- Author: Andy Budd
- Publisher Info: Apress
- Rating: 4.5
- Year of Publish: 2006
Book Info:
- Fully updated with the most recent CSS lessons, CSS Mastery streamlines and modernizes the learning process.
- You can learn technical skills in a useful manner by following a step-by-step tutorial. The book covers modular CSS in detail and provides guidance on how to handle the most typical problems.
- CSS Mastery is the best book to read for CSS fundamentals.
6. CSS: The Missing Manual
- Author: David Swayer McFarland
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: 4.5
- Year of Publish: 2015
Book Info:
- The manual offers CSS hints, directions, and tricks to developers. The book keeps developers up to speed with new layouts and tools as CSS develops.
- The book offers advice on using Flexbox to create websites that are compatible with mobile phones and other devices, adding animation to text, and using industry-recognized methods like floats and positioning.
7. CSS Pocket Reference: Visual Presentation for the Web
- Author: Eric A. Meyer
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: 4.6
- Year of Publish: 2018
Book Info:
- With regards to CSS features like Flexbox, CSS Grid, clipping, and compositing, this book offers a hands-on method.
- Learn how to use queries, texts, images, filter effects, and a wide variety of design components.
8. CSS Secrets: Better Solutions to Everyday Web Design Problems
- Author: Lea Verou
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: 4.7
- Year of Publish: 2015
Book Info:
- Important directions on CSS typography, browser support, bugs, and variable fonts are provided in the book.
- It works with more complex ideas and techniques for web design, illustrating its points with real-world instances of contemporary websites and web design trends.
Advanced Level CSS Books
9. CSS Visual Dictionary
- Author: Greg Sidelnikov
- Publisher Info: Learning Curve Books
- Rating: 4.6
- Year of Publish: 2018
Book Info:
- The ideal study tool for CSS beginners is the CSS Visual Dictionary. Several CSS properties are discussed in the book with the help of illustrations.
- This book serves as a convenient quick reference for elegant answers because of its visual format
10. Learning Web Design: A Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics
- Author: Jennifer Robbins
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: 4.8
- Year of Publish: 2018
Book Info:
- The book explains CSS from the ground up, including all of the newest features.
- It teaches you how to make responsive web pages that look good on any device by utilizing media queries and fluid designs.
Become a full-stack developer with the comprehensive Full-stack course, learn front-end and back-end development, databases, and more to build dynamic web applications.
11. HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites
- Author: Jon Duckett
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: 4.6
- Year of Publish: 2011
Book Info:
- In stark contrast to the majority of technical and instructional books that are harshly written, this book takes a completely different approach to HTML and CSS.
- The authors have done their best to make HTML and CSS more approachable than ever by introducing them to a larger public.
- The modern CSS book would be the ideal solution for you whether you are a student, a hobbyist who builds websites, or a self-described expert.
The fully colored version presents the intricate subjects in a clear and interesting manner. Additionally, the book's layout enables you to proceed logically from chapter one to the very end or to go more independently by selecting any topic of interest and beginning there.
12. Head First HTML and CSS: A Learner’s Guide to Creating Standards-Based Web Pages
- Author: Elisabeth Robins
- Publisher Info: O’Reilly
- Rating: - 4.6
- Year of Publish: 2012
Book Info:
- For those who want to start learning HTML and have zero prior experience in this area, this book is an absolute necessity.
- The book is easy to understand for complete beginners and claims to assist in building web pages from the start.
- In order for them to function properly across all browsers and mobile devices, it also includes guidelines for maintaining and growing them over time.
- There is also given more information on CSS that is essential. This is an advanced CSS book that covers a lot of basic and practical examples.
It is simple to read and written in a pleasant, aesthetically appealing style. You can be confident that the knowledge of HTML and CSS will stick in your head very well because the most recent studies in learning theory and cognitive science were used to create it.
13. CSS for Babies (Code Babies) Board Book
- Publisher Info: Web Design for Babies
- Author: - Vandel Heuvel
- Rating: 4.3
- Year of Publish: 2011
Book Info:
- This one stands out. They are able to clearly demonstrate the value of coding and web design in today's technological culture.
- These books will introduce very young children to the types of colors and shapes that make up web-based computer languages and will provide them with the very fundamental start they require.
- With the help of this training, you will be able to teach your young children how to display HTML elements correctly using CSS and to familiarize them with the symbols and visual patterns that make up the fundamental building blocks of the web.
- The colorful book is a lovely introduction to the web and fundamental coding and would fit ideally in the library of a forward-thinking family that values technology.
14. HTML CSS in 8 Hours, For Beginners, Learn Coding Fast!
- Author: Ray Yao
- Rating: 4.8
- Year of Publish: 2013
Book Info:
- “HTML CSS in 8 Hours” covers all essential HTML and CSS knowledge and this is the best books for beginners.
- You can learn complete primary skills of HTML and CSS fast and easily. The book includes more than 80 practical examples for beginners and includes tests & answers for the college exam, the engineer certification exam, and the job interview exam.
This book provides source code for download; you can download the source code for better study, or copy the source code to your favorite editor to test the programs.
15. CSS in Easy Steps
- Author: Mike McGrath
- Rating: 4.5
- Year of Publish: 2020
Book Info:
- The fourth edition of CSS in Easy Steps includes examples that demonstrate each CSS concept while also demonstrating how to selectively style HTML document components and give elements interactive functionality.
- Anyone who wishes to start making stylish web pages will appreciate the easy-to-follow style of CSS in Easy Steps, 4th Edition. It will be appealing to programmers who want to quickly pick up the most recent style sheet techniques, to college or high school students studying website design, and to those looking to start a job in web development who need a solid grasp of CSS.
How to Choose the Best CSS Books?
Choosing the best book for CSS can be challenging, but here are some tips that can help you make an informed decision:
- Check the Author's Credentials: Before buying a book, make sure to check the author's credentials. Look for books written by experienced web developers or designers who have a good track record of creating excellent CSS designs.
- Look for Real-World Examples: Look for books that provide real-world examples and case studies. This will help you understand how to apply the tips and tricks in practical situations.
- Check the Book Reviews: Check the book reviews to see what other readers are saying about the book. Look for books with high ratings and positive reviews.
- Consider the Book's Level: Consider the book's level of difficulty. Make sure the book is appropriate for your level of expertise. If you're a beginner, look for books that provide a solid foundation in CSS basics. If you're an advanced user, look for books that provide advanced techniques and tips.
- Look for Updates: CSS is constantly evolving, and new features are added regularly. Look for books that cover the latest CSS features and updates. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in CSS.
- Consider the Book's Format: Consider the book's format, whether it's an e-book or a physical book. Some developers prefer e-books because they are more portable and can be accessed from anywhere. Others prefer physical books because they can be used as reference material.
By following these tips, you can choose CSS book to learn further about CSS and get tips and tricks to learn about CSS.
Conclusion
There are several excellent CSS eBooks available that can help both beginners and advanced learners to enhance their CSS skills. "CSS: The Definitive Guide" by Eric A. Meyer and "CSS Mastery" by Andy Budd are two highly recommended books for those looking to learn CSS from scratch or improve their existing knowledge. "CSS Secrets" by Lea Verou is another great book that covers advanced topics such as CSS animations and transitions. "Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS3" by Ben Frain is a good option for those looking to learn how to create responsive designs.
Ultimately, the CSS book for you will depend on your needs and learning style, but any of these top picks can provide a solid foundation for mastering CSS. Be ready to take your web design skills to the next level with KnowledgeHut Web Design certification program. This certification will help you learn the latest web design trends, technologies, and techniques.
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