Next.js CSS modules simplify the way we handle styles in our web development projects. They allow us to write CSS in separate files and import them into our JavaScript files.
This approach helps prevent CSS pollution, where global styles can interfere with each other. By using CSS modules, we can keep our styles organized and focused on specific components.
In a Next.js project, we can create a CSS file for each component, and then import it into the corresponding JavaScript file using the import statement. This is demonstrated in the example code, where we import the styles from a CSS file into a JavaScript file.
With CSS modules, we can also use the scoped attribute to limit the styles to a specific component, making it easier to manage and maintain our code.
Applying CSS Modules
Applying CSS Modules is a great way to make your Next.js application more maintainable and scalable. Next.js fully supports CSS Modules out of the box.
To get started, you'll need to create a new file for your CSS module, such as ProductCard.module.css. Inside this file, you can define new classes using the @apply directive to apply Tailwind classes.
Using CSS modules can make your code more readable and maintainable, especially when working with complex components. By creating classes for each section of your component, you can easily update styles without affecting other parts of your code.
You can apply CSS modules to the entire component by creating classes for each section and using the @apply directive. This approach can make your code more organized and easier to maintain.
Next.js allows you to write modular and maintainable CSS that scales well with your application. By leveraging CSS modules, you can create a more efficient and maintainable codebase.
Combining CSS and JS
Next.js supports various CSS-in-JS solutions, including styled-components and emotion, which allow you to write CSS directly in your JavaScript or TypeScript files.
These libraries enable you to write styles directly in your JavaScript/TypeScript files using template literals. For example, you can use 'styled-components' or 'emotion' to create a CSS-in-JS library.
Next.js also supports CSS Modules, which automatically create locally scoped class names, ensuring that styles are only applied to the components you specify. This helps avoid conflicts with similarly named classes in different components.
Handling in JS
Handling CSS in JS can be a game-changer for Next.js developers.
Next.js supports various CSS-in-JS solutions, including styled-components and emotion. These libraries allow you to write CSS directly in your JavaScript or TypeScript files.
You can use a CSS-in-JS library like 'styled-components' or 'emotion' to write styles directly in your JavaScript/TypeScript files using template literals.
To get started with styled-components, install it first, then configure Babel to use the styled-components plugin. This will allow you to create and manage component-level styles effectively.
Here are some popular CSS-in-JS libraries for Next.js:
Both styled-components and emotion offer a range of benefits, including improved code organization and reduced CSS bloat.
Combining Classes with Inline Styles
You can use CSS module classes as strings within your className attribute. This means you can take the initial styles defined in the CSS module as a baseline and add additional inline styles.
For example, you can apply a red background color on top of the existing styles defined in the CSS module. This is done by adding background red to the className attribute.
The values of CSS module classes, such as card and cardContainer, are simply strings. You can use them as strings within your className attribute.
You can use the at apply directive to combine CSS modules and Tailwind in Next.js. This allows you to create a new class in a CSS module file and apply it to an element in your application.
The values of CSS module classes are just strings, and you can use them as such. This means you can manipulate them in the same way you would any other string.
Understanding CSS Modules
CSS Modules are a CSS file where all class and animation names are scoped locally by default, avoiding conflicts and ensuring encapsulation.
This is particularly beneficial in large-scale applications where multiple developers might use the same class names inadvertently. By using CSS Modules, you can create a more maintainable codebase by keeping styles encapsulated within components.
To use CSS Modules, you need to create a CSS file with the .module.css extension and import and use the styles in your React components.
Here are the benefits of using CSS Modules in Next.js:
- Scoped Styles: CSS Modules automatically create locally scoped class names, ensuring that styles are only applied to the components you specify.
- Avoiding Global Conflicts: By using CSS Modules, you can avoid the pitfalls of global CSS, such as unintended style overrides and specificity issues.
- Maintainability: CSS Modules promote a more maintainable codebase by keeping styles encapsulated within components.
If you don't want to use classes, you cannot use the module-based CSS, you will need to use a global stylesheet to target pure elements as selectors.
What Are?
CSS Modules are a game-changer for large-scale applications, where multiple developers might unintentionally use the same class names.
In a CSS file with the ".module.css" extension, all class and animation names are scoped locally by default, avoiding conflicts and ensuring encapsulation.
This is particularly beneficial in applications where developers might use the same class names, inadvertently causing styling issues.
To create a CSS module, you simply need to create a CSS file with the ".module.css" extension and import and use the styles in your React components.
Here are the basic steps to create a CSS module:
- Create a CSS file with the ".module.css" extension.
- Import and use the styles in your React components.
CSS Modules offer a great way to encapsulate styles, allowing you to scope CSS locally to the component, preventing naming conflicts.
For example, if you create a CSS module file and import it into your component, the styles will be scoped to the component, avoiding any conflicts.
However, if you don't want to use classes, you cannot use the module-based CSS, and you will need to use a global stylesheet to target pure elements as selectors.
They cannot be component-scoped, and you can only import a global stylesheet in one place, such as _app.tsx or _app.jsx, or you'll receive an error.
Using Variables
You can use CSS variables in Next.js to maintain consistency across your application.
To use CSS variables, you need to define them first. This is done by creating a global CSS file or a CSS module and defining your variables there.
Variables are used in your CSS by referencing their names. You can use them just like any other CSS property.
To make sure your variables are available where needed, you need to import them. This can be done in your CSS files.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best CSS for Nextjs?
For Next.js projects, Tailwind CSS is a popular choice due to its utility-first approach and seamless integration with React. However, the best CSS framework for Next.js ultimately depends on your project's specific needs and preferences.
What are CSS modules?
CSS modules are scoped CSS files that allow you to write styles in CSS but consume them as JavaScript objects for enhanced processing and safety. This unique approach enables you to leverage the power of CSS while maintaining a high level of control and security.
Sources
- https://www.pronextjs.dev/workshops/pro-next-js-workshop-hl06z/combine-css-modules-with-tailwind-css
- https://staticmania.com/blog/styling-strategies-in-next-js
- https://www.dhiwise.com/post/mastering-nextjs-styling-a-comprehensive-guide
- https://www.dhiwise.com/post/nextjs-css-modules-best-practice
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/62467903/targeting-pure-elements-in-next-js-with-css-modules
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