Lesson 10: CSS foundations and cascade: Project integration

Concept Explanation

This lesson turns a small styling task into something closer to real interface work. Instead of writing isolated rules, you will style a reusable pricing card and think about how one component fits into a larger page. The main goal is to practice project integration in CSS foundations and cascade: choosing sensible defaults, keeping spacing and borders consistent, and making updates in one place without causing side effects elsewhere. By the end, you should be able to connect simple CSS rules into a component that feels organized, predictable, and ready to reuse.

Where to Put the Code

1. Start with variables and inputs. Place style rules in reusable class selectors.
2. Add processing logic in the middle section.
3. Finish with output and quick validation.

Command Reference

• Preview the card with real content and check whether the spacing still feels balanced.
• Change one design token such as border radius or accent color and compare the result.
• Group related rules so the card is easier to scan and maintain later.
• Check that the call-to-action remains readable against its background color.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Apply the base card styles first so the component has clear boundaries and spacing.
2. Style the heading, price, and button in a logical order instead of jumping between rules.
3. Test one small visual change, such as larger padding or a softer border, and compare both versions.
4. Review the cascade to confirm that your selectors are specific enough without becoming heavy.
5. Finish by checking whether the component would still make sense if reused on another page.

Practice Exercises

• Create a second pricing card variation for a featured plan without rewriting all existing styles.
• Add a subtle hover state for the button and explain why the change improves the component.
• Refactor the card so shared values such as colors and spacing are easier to reuse.

Coding Challenges

• Build a small three-card pricing section where each card stays visually consistent.
• Reduce repetition by introducing reusable utility ideas or shared custom properties.

Mini Practice Tasks

• Rename one class to make its purpose more obvious.
• Add one improvement that makes the component feel more polished.
• Write one line describing what this card component is meant to communicate.