CSS Pseudo-Class Syntax
In CSS, a pseudo-class is written by appending a single colon : followed by the pseudo-class name to a selector. It targets elements based on their state, position, or relationship in the DOM.
Single colon
:precedes the pseudo-class (e.g.,:hover,:first-child).Placed directly after the selector without any space (e.g.,
button:hover).Can be combined with other selectors and pseudo-classes (e.g.,
ul li:first-child:hover).Cannot create new elements; only applies styles conditionally to existing elements.
This example demonstrates the syntax of pseudo-classes to style elements dynamically based on hover, focus, and position in a list.
Use pseudo-classes to style dynamic states without extra HTML classes.
Combine pseudo-classes with pseudo-elements (
::before,::after) for richer styling.Ensure that hover or focus styles do not convey essential information inaccessible to keyboard users.
Test pseudo-class behavior across browsers for consistency.