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In CSS,
:active
and:focus
are pseudo-classes used to apply styles to elements based on their interaction states. While they might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and are triggered under different conditions. Here’s a detailed comparison of:active
and:focus
::active
The
:active
pseudo-class applies styles to an element when it is being activated by the user. Typically, this means when a user is actively pressing down on an element, such as clicking a button or a link.Key Points:
- Trigger: The
:active
state is triggered while the user is pressing down on the element. For links, buttons, and other interactive elements, it remains active until the user releases the mouse button. - Usage: Commonly used to style elements during the time they are being clicked or interacted with.
Example:
cssbutton:active {
background-color: darkblue;
color: white;
}
Usage in HTML:
html<button>Click Me</button>
In this example, the button’s background color changes to dark blue while it is being clicked.
:focus
The
:focus
pseudo-class applies styles to an element when it has focus. This typically occurs when an element is selected or activated through keyboard navigation (such as using the Tab key) or when it is clicked.Key Points:
- Trigger: The
:focus
state is triggered when an element is focused. This can be by clicking on the element, using the keyboard to navigate to it, or programmatically focusing it using JavaScript. - Usage: Commonly used to style input fields, buttons, and other interactive elements to indicate that they are currently selected or ready for user input.
Example:
cssinput:focus {
border-color: blue;
outline: none;
}
Usage in HTML:
html<input type="text" placeholder="Type here...">
In this example, the border color of the input field changes to blue when it is focused.
Comparative Summary
- Purpose:
:active
: Applied during the time an element is being clicked or pressed. It provides feedback to users while they are actively interacting with an element.:focus
: Applied when an element is focused, indicating that it is ready to receive input or is currently selected.
- Common Use Cases:
:active
: Styling buttons, links, or other interactive elements to show a visual change when the user is actively engaging with them.:focus
: Styling form fields, buttons, or other elements to highlight which element is currently selected or ready for interaction.
- Triggering Events:
:active
: Triggered by mouse clicks, touch interactions, or when an element is activated by other means.:focus
: Triggered by clicking, tabbing, or programmatic focus.
Combined Example
Here’s how you might use both
:active
and:focus
together to style a button:cssbutton:focus {
outline: 2px solid blue; /* Outline to indicate focus */
}
button:active {
background-color: darkblue;/* Darker background while active */
color: white;
}
Usage in HTML:
html<button>Click Me</button>
In this example, when the button is focused, it will have a blue outline to indicate that it is selected or ready for interaction. When the button is actively clicked, its background color will change to dark blue.
- Trigger: The
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