CSS2 Introduced Media Types
The @media rule, introduced in CSS2, made it possible to define different style rules for different media types.
Examples: You could have one set of style rules for computer screens, one for printers, one for handheld devices, one for television-type devices, and so on.
Unfortunately these media types never got a lot of support by devices, other than the print media type.
CSS3 Introduces Media Queries
Media queries in CSS3 extend the CSS2 media types idea: Instead of looking for a type of device, they look at the capability of the device.
Media queries can be used to check many things, such as:
- width and height of the viewport
- width and height of the device
- orientation (is the tablet/phone in landscape or portrait mode?)
- resolution
Using media queries are a popular technique for delivering a tailored style sheet to tablets, iPhone, and Androids.
Media Queries Simple Examples
One way to use media queries is to have an alternate CSS section right inside your style sheet.
The following example changes the background-color to lightgreen if the viewport is 480 pixels wide or wider (if the viewport is less than 480 pixels, the background-color will be pink):
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
body {
background-color: pink;
}
@media screen and (min-width: 480px) {
body {
background-color: lightgreen;
}
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Resize the browser window to see the effect!</h1>
<p>The media query will only apply if the media type is screen and the viewport is 480px wide or wider.</p>
</body>
</html>
