What's the Difference Between :focus and :active in CSS?

Unveiling the Distinction Between :focus and :active in CSS

While :focus and :active might appear interchangeable at first glance, delving deeper reveals subtle yet significant differences between these two pseudo-classes.

:focus: The Spotlight State

:focus denotes the element that currently holds the focus for receiving input. This state is typically activated by keyboard navigation or an equivalent action, such as selecting an element with a mouse.

:active: The Activated State

:active, on the other hand, indicates an element that is currently being activated by the user. This state is triggered by clicking on an element or pressing a key that performs a specific action.

A Dynamic Duo

To illustrate their distinct roles, let's consider the example of a button. When the button is in its initial state, it has no specific style applied. Upon receiving focus, the button enters its :focus state, often indicated by a change in color or style.

When the button is clicked, it transitions into its :active state. In this state, the button may become bold or display a different color to convey its activated status. Note that in this case, the button is simultaneously in both the :focus and :active states.

A Subtle Distinction

It's important to remember that :focus and :active are not interchangeable. :focus represents the state of having focus for input, while :active represents the state of being activated. This distinction is crucial when styling elements and ensuring that the appropriate styling is applied for different user interactions.

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