search
HomeWeb Front-endCSS TutorialDetailed explanation of the usage of CSS pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements and the differences between them

Detailed explanation of the usage of CSS pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements and the differences between them

Detailed explanation of the difference and usage of CSS pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements

Pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements are concepts often used in CSS. They can help us select and style ize specific elements in HTML. Although their names are similar, they have different usage and functions. In this article, we will explain the difference between CSS pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements in detail and give specific code examples.

1. Pseudo-classes
First, let’s explain pseudo-classes. Pseudo-classes are selectors used to select and style specific states or properties in the DOM tree (Document Object Model). Pseudo-classes are usually represented by a colon (:).

  1. :hover pseudo-class
    : The hover pseudo-class is used to apply styles when the mouse is hovering over an element. It can be applied to any HTML element.

For example, when the mouse hovers over a link, we can change the color of the link through the :hover pseudo-class:

a:hover {
  color: red;
}
  1. :active pseudo-class
    The :active pseudo-class is used to apply styles when the user activates the element, such as a mouse click on a link.

For example, we can change the background color of the button when the user clicks the button:

button:active {
  background-color: yellow;
}
  1. :nth-child pseudo-class
    :nth-child pseudo-class is used To select a child element at a specific position under the same parent element.

For example, we can select the even rows in the table and style them:

tr:nth-child(even) {
  background-color: #f2f2f2;
}

2. Pseudo-elements
Next, let’s do Let’s talk about pseudo-elements. Pseudo-elements are used to create and style new elements in the DOM. Pseudo elements are usually represented by double colons (::).

  1. ::before pseudo-element
    ::before pseudo-element is used to create and insert content in front of the selected element. It can be used to add some decorative elements such as icons or other additional textual content.

For example, we can add a comment in front of the paragraph:

p::before {
  content: "注:";
  font-weight: bold;
}
  1. ::after pseudo-element
    ::after pseudo-element is used to add a comment to the selected element. Create and insert content at the end of . It can also be used to add some decorative elements or additional textual content.

For example, we can add an arrow icon at the end of the link:

a::after {
  content: " →";
}
  1. ::first-letter pseudo-element
    ::first-letter pseudo-element with Used to select the first letter of an element and style it. It can only be applied to block-level elements.

For example, we can set the first letter of the paragraph to uppercase and change its color:

p::first-letter {
  font-size: 2em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: blue;
}

Summary:
To summarize, pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements in CSS are very useful tools that help us select and style different states and specific parts of HTML elements. Pseudo-classes are mainly used to select elements in a specific state, while pseudo-elements are mainly used to create and style new elements. Through the flexible use of pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements, we can better control and design our web pages.

I hope this article will help you understand and use CSS pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements!

The above is the detailed content of Detailed explanation of the usage of CSS pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements and the differences between them. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

Statement
The content of this article is voluntarily contributed by netizens, and the copyright belongs to the original author. This site does not assume corresponding legal responsibility. If you find any content suspected of plagiarism or infringement, please contact admin@php.cn
Iterating a React Design with Styled ComponentsIterating a React Design with Styled ComponentsApr 21, 2025 am 11:29 AM

In a perfect world, our projects would have unlimited resources and time. Our teams would begin coding with well thought out and highly refined UX designs.

Oh, the Many Ways to Make Triangular Breadcrumb Ribbons!Oh, the Many Ways to Make Triangular Breadcrumb Ribbons!Apr 21, 2025 am 11:26 AM

Oh, the Many Ways to Make Triangular Breadcrumb Ribbons

SVG Properties in CSS GuideSVG Properties in CSS GuideApr 21, 2025 am 11:21 AM

SVG has its own set of elements, attributes and properties to the extent that inline SVG code can get long and complex. By leveraging CSS and some of the forthcoming features of the SVG 2 specification, we can reduce that code for cleaner markup.

A Few Functional Uses for Intersection Observer to Know When an Element is in ViewA Few Functional Uses for Intersection Observer to Know When an Element is in ViewApr 21, 2025 am 11:19 AM

You might not know this, but JavaScript has stealthily accumulated quite a number of observers in recent times, and Intersection Observer is a part of that

Revisting prefers-reduced-motionRevisting prefers-reduced-motionApr 21, 2025 am 11:18 AM

We may not need to throw out all CSS animations. Remember, it’s prefers-reduced-motion, not prefers-no-motion.

How to Get a Progressive Web App into the Google Play StoreHow to Get a Progressive Web App into the Google Play StoreApr 21, 2025 am 11:10 AM

PWA (Progressive Web Apps) have been with us for some time now. Yet, each time I try explaining it to clients, the same question pops up: "Will my users be

The Simplest Ways to Handle HTML IncludesThe Simplest Ways to Handle HTML IncludesApr 21, 2025 am 11:09 AM

It's extremely surprising to me that HTML has never had any way to include other HTML files within it. Nor does there seem to be anything on the horizon that

Change Color of SVG on HoverChange Color of SVG on HoverApr 21, 2025 am 11:04 AM

There are a lot of different ways to use SVG. Depending on which way, the tactic for recoloring that SVG in different states or conditions — :hover,

See all articles

Hot AI Tools

Undresser.AI Undress

Undresser.AI Undress

AI-powered app for creating realistic nude photos

AI Clothes Remover

AI Clothes Remover

Online AI tool for removing clothes from photos.

Undress AI Tool

Undress AI Tool

Undress images for free

Clothoff.io

Clothoff.io

AI clothes remover

Video Face Swap

Video Face Swap

Swap faces in any video effortlessly with our completely free AI face swap tool!

Hot Tools

MantisBT

MantisBT

Mantis is an easy-to-deploy web-based defect tracking tool designed to aid in product defect tracking. It requires PHP, MySQL and a web server. Check out our demo and hosting services.

Dreamweaver Mac version

Dreamweaver Mac version

Visual web development tools

SublimeText3 Mac version

SublimeText3 Mac version

God-level code editing software (SublimeText3)

PhpStorm Mac version

PhpStorm Mac version

The latest (2018.2.1) professional PHP integrated development tool

WebStorm Mac version

WebStorm Mac version

Useful JavaScript development tools