What’s the difference between “resetting” and “normalizing” CSS? Which would you choose, and why?
Resetting vs. Normalizing CSS: A Comparative Guide
In web development, creating a consistent styling base across different browsers is crucial. This is where the concepts of resetting and normalizing CSS come into play. Both approaches aim to improve cross-browser consistency, but they do so in different ways. The best-known options for reset vs normalize CSS are Eric Meyer’s CSS reset and Normalize.css.
Resetting CSS
Resetting CSS means stripping all default browser styling from elements. This includes margins, paddings, font sizes, and more, effectively providing a blank canvas for your design. The goal is to eliminate any potential inconsistencies by starting from a completely uniform base. However, this approach requires you to explicitly define all styles, which can be both a control boon and a meticulous task.
Normalizing CSS
Normalizing CSS, contrastingly, takes a more nuanced approach. Instead of removing all browser styles, it aims to unify them, preserving useful defaults while correcting any inconsistencies. This method offers a balance between browser consistency and maintaining sensible default styles. Normalize.css is a popular choice for developers seeking to implement this strategy.
