Pseudo-classes

In CSS, pseudo-classes are keywords that let you apply styles to elements based on their state, position, or behavior—conditions that aren't always visible in the HTML markup. They enable developers to create more dynamic and interactive experiences purely through styling, without the need for JavaScript.

What Are Pseudo-classes?

A pseudo-class is added to a selector using a colon (:) followed by the pseudo-class name. It tells the browser to apply a specific style only when certain criteria are met, such as when an element is hovered over, focused, or is the first child of its parent.

Common Pseudo-classes

• :hover – Applies styles when the user points to an element with a cursor

• :focus – Activates when an element gains focus (keyboard or mouse)

• :active – Applies during the moment an element is being clicked

• :nth-child(n) – Selects the nth child of a parent, useful for patterns

• :first-child, :last-child – Targets the first or last child in a container

• :checked, :disabled, :required – Targets form states for inputs, checkboxes, and fields

Example:

/* Interactive styles */
button:hover {
  background-color: #222;
  color: white;
}
input:focus {
  border-color: #007BFF;
  outline: none;
}
/* Structure-based styles */
li:nth-child(odd) {
  background-color: #f0f0f0;
}

Why Pseudo-classes Matter

They play a huge role in making websites interactive, accessible, and user-friendly. Pseudo-classes help reduce reliance on JavaScript for UI behaviors and make styles more maintainable. They also enhance accessibility by allowing you to style focus states for keyboard navigation and form interactions.

What is Superflex.ai?

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