CSS Specificity and Color Contrast Documentation

Define/Explain CSS Specificity

CSS specificity is a set of rules that determine which style rules are applied to an element when multiple conflicting styles exist. Specificity is calculated based on the combination of selectors used to target an element. In descending order of importance: inline styles, IDs, classes, and elements. The more specific a selector, the higher its priority. Example:

                .container h2 {
                    color: blue;
                }
            

Define/Explain Contrast Ratios

Contrast ratios quantify the difference in brightness between text and its background. This ratio is crucial for ensuring readability, especially for users with visual impairments. To determine the color contrast ratio of links/buttons using the browser's developer tools, inspect the element, find the computed styles, and look for the color values of text and background. Example:

                a {
                    color: #3366cc;
                    background-color: #ffffff;
                }
            

Explain Why You Must Meet Contrast Ratios

Meeting contrast ratios is vital for accessibility. It ensures that text is legible for users with visual impairments or color deficiencies. Failing to meet contrast ratios may lead to poor readability and usability for a significant portion of the audience, hindering their ability to comprehend and interact with the content effectively.

Explain What Group at the W3C Sets Accessibility Rules

The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) at the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is responsible for setting accessibility rules. WAI develops guidelines and resources, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to make the web accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines are crucial for web developers and designers to ensure that their content is inclusive and usable by everyone.

Summary of the Documentation

This documentation provides insights into CSS specificity and contrast ratios. Understanding these concepts is essential for creating visually appealing and accessible web content. By prioritizing specificity and meeting contrast ratios, developers contribute to a more inclusive web experience. The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) at the W3C plays a key role in establishing guidelines that promote accessibility across the digital landscape.