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What is CSS?

CSS stands for cascading style sheets. CSS is used by both the authors and readers of web pages to define colors, fonts, layout, and other aspects of document presentation. It is a file within the site that can control for the entire site (or a portion of it) the look of the site. This can be simple style items such as the font, font sizes & colors, and also larger aspects like the menus, banners & other images, the way a page will print etc.

Who should care about it?

All of us - but in different degrees. As a reader of web pages, it helps you view pages that "look right." Putting this style code separately in another file (the old way do it was to put all that info within each page's code) can improve accessibility and reduce complexity and repetition in the content. CSS can also allow the same markup page to be presented in different styles for the screen, print, by a speech-based browser or screen reader and on Braille-based, tactile devices.

If you are a web developer, you probably already know something about CSS (jump to links below), but if you are not using them currently, you should - if for no other reason than to ultimately save yourself time.

How can you get started with style sheets?

One of my favorite sites is CSS Zen Garden which is a beautifully designed site that allows you change the look of the entire site (which is about using CSS) with a click. Even if you're just a user of sites, it's worth a look.

Meyer Web includes some interesting links to tests of CSS

Max Design is a web design and development business that specializes in websites with a strong focus on Cascading Style Sheets, usability, accessibility and web standards.

WestCIV is an excellent site has 2 main paths: learn CSS and their style master CSS editor.