How Long Does It Take To Learn CSS?

Whether you’re curious about computer programming, hoping to begin a new career in technology, or starting a new project and want the ability to work on your website, learning CSS will be hugely beneficial.

The time it takes to learn CSS will vary depending on several factors. The learning path you choose, the time you dedicate, your ability to retain and use new information, and your background will determine how long it takes you to develop a working knowledge of CSS.

CSS allows you to create fantastic-looking web pages and control how users see your website. Knowledge of this computer language is a must if you want to create and design web pages that look appealing and function well for your audience.

We’ll walk you through the basics of why you should learn CSS, how long it takes based on a few different factors, and other relevant information to help kickstart your journey.

What Is CSS?

Let’s start with the basics. CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. This is a computer language specifically for the frontend development of web applications. With CSS, you’ll be able to describe how HTML elements appear on the screen.

This gives you control over how a user experiences your website. You control web pages’ design, layout, and overall aesthetics to make them look appealing and inviting to users.

Since CSS is used to further describe elements implemented by HTML, a baseline knowledge of HTML is a must. If you plan on learning CSS, it’d be in your best interest to understand HTML first.

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Why Should You Learn CSS?

If you look into making and designing web pages, you’ll see that many web-building platforms and applications offer “drag and drop” design and development options.

This can lead people to believe that CSS may become defunct in the near future, but this isn’t necessarily the case. While these drag-and-drop features make creating a simple web page easy, it doesn’t allow for the full range of designs and features that knowledge of CSS does.

With CSS, you can implement innovative designs that allow your web page to stand out from the competition. You can also develop creative solutions to improve user experiences, which will set your website above others.

Additionally, if you’re looking to enter into a career as a full stack developer or a similar role, then knowledge of CSS is a non-negotiable requirement.

How To Learn CSS

There are three options for learning CSS, and every person interested in learning this computer language must decide which option suits them and their goals best. We’ll discuss each route and who is best suited for each.

University

Pursuing a university degree is the most traditional route to becoming proficient in CSS. A degree in computer science or web development will teach you several computer and programming languages, including HTML and CSS.

Some colleges offer short courses to learn the basics of CSS before you begin taking classes for a computer science or web development degree. Attending a university is an excellent choice for those hoping to enter a career where knowledge of CSS is a requirement.

University would be a good option for someone who:

Has plenty of time. Obtaining a degree in web development or computer science can take 4-8+ years.
Can handle the financial load. Depending on the university you attend, getting your degree can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re comfortable taking on student loans or able to obtain financial aid or scholarships, then this is a realistic route for you.
Learns well in a classroom environment.
Enjoys collaborating with peers.

Self-Taught

If you already have some background coding and programming knowledge, you might be able to teach yourself the basics of CSS. There are plenty of free resources online that can teach you enough for you to design an appealing web page.

This option is best for those who:

Want to control their learning experience. You can take as little or as long as you need.
Only want to spend a little money. You won’t have to spend any money teaching yourself CSS if you don’t want to. However, paying for a more in-depth course online might be helpful.
Already has a background knowledge of certain programming languages.
Is a self-starter and able to remain sufficiently self-motivated.
Learns best through their own methodology.

Coding Bootcamp

Coding bootcamps have become very popular in recent years. These short, intensive courses span 4-8 weeks, depending on the program, and teach you all the basics of coding, web development, and data science.

Attending a coding bootcamp is an excellent option for those who:

Wants to learn CSS and other coding languages quickly.
Has no background coding knowledge.
Doesn’t want to spend take out loans. Coding bootcamps are much cheaper than going to college for several years, and some offer special payment options where you don’t begin making payments until you’ve secured a job in your desired field.

How Long Does It Take To Understand CSS?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The length of time it takes you to learn CSS will depend on which path of learning you choose, whether you already have a background knowledge of programming and computer languages, and how dedicated you are to learning CSS.

On average, it takes most people about eight months to develop a working knowledge of CSS when self-taught. However, you might not cover CSS for several semesters if you go the university route.

A coding bootcamp is the quickest option for learning CSS. This language will be covered alongside HTML, JavaScript, and others, depending on the course you take. These courses are designed to teach you what you need to know quickly, usually 4-8 weeks.

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Learn CSS Through Coding Bootcamp

Regardless of the reason for wanting to learn CSS, a coding bootcamp is the best way to develop a solid knowledge of this computer language. You’ll take a short, intensive course that covers multiple programming and computer languages while learning how to apply that knowledge to real work situations.