Using CSS Variables to Create Themeable Designs

Alright developers-in-the-making, hold on to your keyboards ’cause we’re about to plunge headfirst into the fascinating world of themeable designs using CSS variables. And don’t worry, I promise it’ll be fun. After all, who said coding couldn’t tickle the funny bone every once in a while?

What are CSS Variables?

Before we begin, let me just quickly introduce you to CSS Variables. No, they don’t resemble those scary equations you tried to avoid in high school algebra. These variables are friendlier; might even buy you a coffee if you treat them right.
Think of CSS Variables as little bucket of paints, each one assigned a specific color. When you’re painting your Webpages, instead of dipping your brush directly into ‘red’ or ‘blue’, you first dip into a bucket, which holds that color. This way, you can change the color in the bucket and it’ll get reflected wherever you’ve used it. Convenient, right? I thought so too.

Creating CSS Variables

Alright, now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way, let’s get our hands dirty in the code mine. Creating a CSS variable is as easy as pie. Even easier if you’ve never baked a pie before.
Simply declare a variable within a selector using double hyphens and then use the ‘var()’ function to use it in your properties, like so:

Voila! Your page now bleeds ‘primary color’ like a true fan at a sports match.

Creating a Theme with CSS Variables

Now the fun part begins. Once you’ve got your variables ready, it’s time to put them to work in creating multiple themes. Here’s a secret: love night mode in your apps? This is how they do it. Creeping in the shadows.

You would first start by defining a base theme. This is like your ‘default settings’, the fallback when all else fails or when you’re just feeling a Monday-meh.

Defining a base Theme

And then, define your alternate themes inside the class selectors. Let’s say, ‘night mode’.

Now, all you need is some simple JavaScript to toggle between your themes, and presto, you’ve just created a themeable design like a pro!

Conclusion

So, dear coders, next time you’re stuck with a bland webpage, remember you’ve got CSS variables in your arsenal. Not only will your webpages look excellent, but also, you’ll have all the more reasons to stick around and appreciate your artistic genius.
Keep coding, and as we say in the developer world, "May the variables be ever in your favor!"