Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) are sets of instructions for how different parts of web pages should be displayed for users. In contrast to HTML, which defines the elements that structure a web page including headlines, paragraphs, images, and links, CSS defines the “style” of how these elements look, including layouts, colors, fonts, and other aspects. Because the web is inherently a visual medium, a mastery of CSS is an important part of designing an impactful web page.

User expectations for web design and thus CSS have come a long way since the 1990s, with the need to ensure that pages display properly on a variety of mobile devices as well as web browsers. There is also a growing recognition that web accessibility for users with disabilities must be a design priority, adding complexity to CSS considerations. The use of CSS frameworks such as Bootstrap has become increasingly popular to simplify the process of making responsive web designs that adjust to different browsers and user needs.

Along with HTML and JavaScript, expertise in CSS is one of the most fundamental skills you need for a career in web development. Demand for web developers to design and build websites has grown steadily along with the growth of the World Wide Web itself, and having high-level CSS skills and a sharp design sense can make your portfolio stand out from the crowd. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web developers earned a median annual salary of $73,760 in 2019 and jobs in this field expected to grow “much faster than average,” making this a well-paid and high-growth career path.

Absolutely! Learning on Coursera is a popular way to build a wide range of web development skills, including CSS as well as the use of CSS frameworks like Bootstrap. You can take courses and Specializations spanning multiple courses from top-ranked schools like Johns Hopkins University, University of Michigan, and Duke University. With the Coursera Project Network, you can also develop your CSS skills by completing step-by-step tutorials alongside experienced instructors with Guided Projects.