What's the Key Difference Between `display: inline-flex` and `display: flex` in CSS Flexbox?

Understanding the Difference between 'display:inline-flex' and 'display:flex'

When working with flexbox, it's crucial to grasp the distinction between 'display:inline-flex' and 'display:flex.' While these properties appear similar, they differ in the way they affect the HTML element's rendering.

display:inline-flex

'display:inline-flex' makes the flex container behave as an inline element. Inline elements flow horizontally like text, and their width is determined by their content. Unlike 'display:flex,' it does not change the behavior of flex items within the container. They continue to act as block-level elements, forming rows or columns based on the flexbox settings.

display:flex

'display:flex' transforms the container into a flexible container. It allows flex items to be arranged horizontally or vertically according to the 'flex-direction' property. The container becomes a block-level element, filling the entire available space.

When to Use Which Property

The choice between 'display:inline-flex' and 'display:flex' depends on the desired layout. 'display:inline-flex' is suitable for scenarios where you want to align elements horizontally within an inline context, such as a navigation bar or a list of inline links. 'display:flex' is more appropriate for flexible layouts that require control over the arrangement of elements, such as a main content area with sidebars.

Example

In the provided example, the ID wrapper is set to 'display:inline-flex.' This does not make the contents of the wrapper display inline because flex items always behave like block-level boxes. To align elements vertically within a flex container, you need to use the 'align-items' property.

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