Utility-first CSS: The highs and lows of styling web sites

Keeping our CSS efficient and organized can be a challenge. There are many popular approaches out there it helps architect our CSS so that it remains usable as projects grow. None of them have really suited Phil. Speaker's best intentions have always given way to shortcuts, compromises and dark patterns. He's the worst. But Phil suspects he's not totally alone.

Lately, an approach called "utility-first CSS" has been gaining in popularity. Spearheaded by CSS frameworks such as TailwindCSS and Tachyons, they provide predefined utility classes that you can use right away. Phil was skeptical, but some experimentation and an open mind have made him a fan. Let him tell you why.