DEV Community

Cover image for Debugging with CSS
Matt Miller
Matt Miller

Posted on β€’ Edited on

1

Debugging with CSS

One of the favorite debugging tricks for HTML/CSS is using the CSS snippet you shared, known as the "Rainbow CSS" or "CSS Rainbow Debugging" technique. This technique applies different background colors to elements based on their depth in the DOM tree, making it easier to visualize the layout and identify any inconsistencies.

Another popular debugging technique is using browser developer tools extensively. These tools provide a wide range of features, including inspecting elements, modifying styles in real-time, debugging JavaScript, analyzing network activity, and more. By leveraging developer tools, developers can pinpoint issues in their code, test different styles, and optimize performance.

Additionally, utilizing CSS comments strategically can help in debugging CSS stylesheets. By adding comments to CSS rules, developers can provide context, document their code, and temporarily disable or test specific styles without removing them entirely.

Furthermore, creating custom CSS classes or attributes specifically for debugging purposes can streamline the debugging process. For example, adding a .debug class to elements or using data attributes (data-debug="true") can help target specific elements for debugging styles or behavior.

Lastly, logging messages to the browser console using JavaScript's console.log() function can be invaluable for debugging complex JavaScript interactions, tracking variable values, and identifying errors in code logic.

* { background-color: rgba(255,0,0,.2); }
* * { background-color: rgba(0,255,0,.2); }
* * * { background-color: rgba(0,0,255,.2); }
* * * * { background-color: rgba(255,0,255,.2); }
* * * * * { background-color: rgba(0,255,255,.2); }
* * * * * * { background-color: rgba(255,255,0,.2); }
* * * * * * * { background-color: rgba(255,0,0,.2); }
* * * * * * * * { background-color: rgba(0,255,0,.2); }
* * * * * * * * * { background-color: rgba(0,0,255,.2); }
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

By combining these debugging techniques and experimenting with different approaches, developers can efficiently troubleshoot HTML/CSS issues, improve code quality, and enhance the overall user experience of their web applications.

source - medium - Gajus Kuizinas


Enjoying the content? If you'd like to support my work and keep the ideas flowing, consider buying me a coffee! Your support means the world to me!

Buy Me A Coffee

Quadratic AI

Quadratic AI – The Spreadsheet with AI, Code, and Connections

  • AI-Powered Insights: Ask questions in plain English and get instant visualizations
  • Multi-Language Support: Seamlessly switch between Python, SQL, and JavaScript in one workspace
  • Zero Setup Required: Connect to databases or drag-and-drop files straight from your browser
  • Live Collaboration: Work together in real-time, no matter where your team is located
  • Beyond Formulas: Tackle complex analysis that traditional spreadsheets can't handle

Get started for free.

Watch The Demo πŸ“Šβœ¨

Top comments (0)

PulumiUP 2025 image

PulumiUP 2025: Cloud Innovation Starts Here

Get inspired by experts at PulumiUP. Discover the latest in platform engineering, IaC, and DevOps. Keynote, demos, panel, and Q&A with Pulumi engineers.

Register Now

πŸ‘‹ Kindness is contagious

Engage with a wealth of insights in this thoughtful article, valued within the supportive DEV Community. Coders of every background are welcome to join in and add to our collective wisdom.

A sincere "thank you" often brightens someone’s day. Share your gratitude in the comments below!

On DEV, the act of sharing knowledge eases our journey and fortifies our community ties. Found value in this? A quick thank you to the author can make a significant impact.

Okay