Web DevelopmentResponsive Website Basics: Explained

Responsive Website Basics: Explained

Every business that wishes to go online will need some responsive website basics to build the perfect online presence. This means that a static website isn’t enough in the highly competitive twenty-first century. But what makes a website responsive, and how does a responsive website benefit your business?

A responsive website is dynamic as it can be adapted to any screen resolution or orientation across several devices. It is a user-friendly website allowing users to easily navigate it irrespective of the device used. However, some vital factors must be considered for a website to be responsive. These include fluid grid systems, fluid images, and media queries.

You can’t just have a website that looks good on mobile but terrible on PCs. This article will provide you with more information on responsive website basics. 

What is a Responsive Website?

A responsive web design relates to how a website adjusts to its accessed device. It’s a website that can alter its display based on the size, platform, and orientation of a user’s screen.

It comprises changeable grids, layouts, images, and correct use of CSS media queries. For example, a user might enjoy a site’s operations on a laptop. However, on opening the site with a mobile phone, users might realize the website is not as they expected. 

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The website should be able to change instantly in terms of resolution, image dimensions, and scripting. And the objective is for the user to have the best possible experience no matter the device. A responsive website also saves the business from having a different website for different device interfaces.

3 Responsive Website Basics

The elements that make up a responsive website can be grouped into three major parts. These parts include fluid grid systems, fluid images, and media queries.

Fluid Grid Systems

Before the invention of the Internet, we relied on paper. In print, absolute measurements were used to decide what would be displayed and how it would appear. When the Internet came along, this system continued with webpage dimensions expressed in pixels.

This fixed size is not suitable for the dynamic nature of the modern web. Hence, web designers should use flexible sizes instead of absolute designs when developing a site. For a responsive website, consider this when modifying the relevant attributes in your CSS script (width, margin, etc.).

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Fluid Images

The CSS command “img max-width: 100%” is your simplest solution for responsive images. It tells the browser that the picture can expand or contract by no more than 100% of its pixel value. The idea is that this will prevent the picture from being overstretched beyond recognition when the container expands.

Media Queries

Media queries are used to modify the site’s format based on specific criteria. A two-column display method, for instance, may not work well on a smartphone’s limited screen space.

You can tell precisely when the viewport layout should change with a media query. To use this to your advantage, try starting with a “mobile first” strategy. This will allow you to outline your goals for mobile devices before expanding to other platforms.

Conclusion

For your visitors to enjoy using your website, it must be responsive. Hence, every site owner must consider these responsive website basics for the best user experience.

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