Media Queries in Times of @container
With container queries now on the horizon - will we need media queries at all? Is there a future where we build responsive interfaces completely without them?
Ethan, who coined the term responsive web design over a decade ago, has recently said that media-query-less layouts are certainly within bounds:
Can we consider a flexible layout to be “responsive” if it doesn’t use any media queries, but only uses container queries? [...] I’d be inclined to answer: yes, absolutely.
Over at CSS-Tricks, Chris had similar thoughts. He issued a challenge to examine how and where media queries are used today, and if they will still be necessary going forward:
A common refrain, from me included, has been that if we had container queries we’d use them for the vast majority of what we use media queries for today. The challenge is: look through your CSS codebase now with fresh eyes knowing how the @container queries currently work. Does that refrain hold up?
Fair enough. I took the bait and had a look at some of my projects - and yes, most of what I use @media for today can probably be accomplished by @container at some point. Nevertheless, I came up with a few scenarios where I think media queries will still be necessary.
