Why Do Browser CSS Properties Have Vendor Prefixes?

Why the Confusion of Vendor Prefixes in Browser CSS Properties?

When it comes to styling our web creations, CSS properties like border-radius seem straightforward. However, the existence of vendor prefixes such as -moz- and -webkit- can boggle our minds. Why do browsers feel the need to create their own versions of standard CSS features?

The answer harkens back to the evolution of CSS. Before a property becomes officially part of the web standard, it often undergoes experimental stages. Browser vendors, eager to provide innovative features, may implement these proposed properties even before the specification is finalized.

To avoid conflicts with potential changes in the future, vendors introduce vendor prefixes. These prefixes differentiate the experimental from the standard implementation, allowing for flexibility as the specification evolves.

For example, when Microsoft decided to implement the concept of a grid layout, they added the -ms-grid property. This vendor-specific property served as Microsoft's interpretation of the ongoing grid proposal. If the final Grid specification differed, Microsoft had the option to introduce a new grid property without disrupting websites relying on -ms-grid.

Therefore, vendor prefixes are not merely ego-driven attempts to make CSS "better." They serve a practical purpose, allowing browsers to experiment with new features while ensuring compatibility with websites using standard CSS properties.

The above is the detailed content of Why Do Browser CSS Properties Have Vendor Prefixes?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!