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The Forgotten Art: Why HTML & CSS Still Matter in a React World

Hemant Maurya
Hemant Maurya
December 16, 2025
6 min read
The Forgotten Art: Why HTML & CSS Still Matter in a React World

Back to the Roots 🧱

We live in an era where developers learn React before they even know what a <main> tag is. I get it—React is flashy, it’s fast, and it’s what’s hiring. But if you want to build websites that truly stand the test of time, you must respect the foundations.

HTML is the skeleton. CSS is the skin. And without a solid skeleton, even the most advanced JavaScript logic will feel broken to the user.


The Semantic HTML Revolution

Did you know that using a <button> instead of a <div> with an onClick handler makes a world of difference for accessibility?

When we use semantic tags like <header>, <article>, and <footer>, we aren't just pleasing the "code police." We are talking to search engines and screen readers. We are making sure that a blind user can navigate our site just as easily as anyone else.

  • SEO Power: Google loves structure. A well-structured HTML document is a roadmap for their crawlers.
  • Accessibility: It’s not a feature; it’s a right. Semantic HTML gives it to everyone for free.

CSS: Your Visual Superpower

If HTML is what makes a site work, CSS is what makes it memorable.

In 2026, CSS is more powerful than ever. We have:

  1. CSS Grid & Flexbox: Making complex layouts feel like a breeze.
  2. Container Queries: Changing styles based on the parent element, not just the screen size.
  3. Scroll Animations: Creating immersive experiences without a single line of JS.

Why You Should Keep Learning CSS

I’ve seen apps with brilliant logic that felt "cheap" because the spacing was off or the typography was illegible. Designing with code is an art form. It’s about balance, contrast, and empathy for the user’s eyes.


The Human Side of Coding

At WebDevSoft, we remind our junior devs all the time: Browsers don't care about your framework. They care about the HTML they receive.

Spend some time learning the weird quirks of CSS. Understand how the box model actually works. It might not be as "cool" as learning the latest state management library, but it will make you a far better engineer in the long run.

The most complex apps in the world are still just HTML and CSS at the end of the day. Respect the craft.

#HTML5#CSS3#Web Basics#Semantic HTML#Flexbox#Grid
Hemant Maurya

Hemant Maurya

Founder & CEO, WebDevSoft

Founder & CEO, WebDevSoft.
Full-Stack Developer passionate about scalable AI & Web Solutions.
Master of Computer Applications (MCA). 🎓
Dedicated to transforming ideas into reliable digital products.

Comments (2)

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Alex Johnson2 hours ago

This article was incredibly insightful! I never realized how much AI agents could optimize our workflow.

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Sarah Lee5 hours ago

Great read! Looking forward to more tutorials on Next.js 15 features.