CSS Transition is suitable for simple property changes, while Animation is suitable for complex multi-step animations. 1. Transition focuses on smooth changes between two states, suitable for interactions such as button hovering and state switching, and can only control the start and end states; 2. Animation defines multiple keyframes through @keyframes, which can realize complex animations such as rotation and loading, and supports advanced controls such as loops, pauses, and reverse playback; 3. The selection basis is the complexity of demand: Transition is used for simple changes, and Animation is used for multi-stage or loop animation, and the two can also be used in combination.
CSS transitions and animations are both tools used to achieve visual changes in web elements, but they are obviously different in how they are used and applicable scenarios. Simply put, transition is more suitable for simple attribute changes, such as button hover effect, and animation is more suitable for more complex, multi-step animation sequences, such as loading animations or interactive animations.
What is CSS Transition?
Transition is a way to smoothly transition elements from one style to another, focusing on the process of change between two states .
Use scenarios and suggestions:
- Suitable for simple interactions such as button hover, switch status switching, etc.
- You can only animation between the beginning and end states, and the intermediate process cannot be controlled.
For example, if you want a button to slowly darken the color when hovering, you can use transition:
button {
background-color: blue;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
}
button:hover {
background-color: darkblue;
}Common configuration items:
-
transition-property: Specify which properties need animation -
transition-duration: animation duration -
transition-timing-function: easing function (such as ease, linear) -
transition-delay: delay execution
Note: Not all attributes can be transitioned, such as
display, not.
What is CSS Animation?
Animation allows you to define multiple keyframes, enabling more complex and flexible animation effects.
Use scenarios and suggestions:
- Suitable for creating animations, progress bars, loading icons, etc. for loop playback.
- Multiple stages can be defined through @keyframes to control the style of each stage.
For example, make a simple infinite rotation animation:
@keyframes spin {
0% { transform: rotate(0deg); }
100% { transform: rotate(360deg); }
}
.spinner {
animation: spin 2s linear infinite;
}Common configuration items:
-
animation-name: bind keyframes name -
animation-duration: animation duration -
animation-timing-function: easing function -
animation-delay: delayed startup -
animation-iteration-count: Number of playbacks (can be set to infinite) -
animation-direction: playback direction (forward, reverse, alternating)
Animation can be paused, reversed, or even set the state after playback is completed, with much flexibility than transition.
Transition and Animation selection basis
In actual development, how to choose depends on the specific requirements:
- If it is just a simple change between two states, it is more concise and efficient to use transition .
- If multiple stages, loop playback, or custom rhythms are required, use animation .
Sometimes it can also be used in combination, such as first using transition as button feedback, and then using animation to achieve the animation after clicking.
Basically that's it. The use of the two does not conflict. After understanding their respective characteristics, you can choose reasonably according to project needs.
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