Details of the syntax of pseudo-selectors - when to use a single colon and when to use a double colon?

The article on Jim Nielsen's blog discusses the syntax of pseudo-elements in CSS. Pseudo-elements are a powerful tool in the web developers' toolkit, allowing for styling specific parts of elements without the need for adding extra HTML structure. The author details the differences between pseudo-elements and pseudo-classes, which is essential for understanding how and when to use them effectively. Nielsen emphasizes that pseudo-elements are used to style specific portions of elements, such as the first line of text or content before or after a given element, which can significantly enhance the aesthetics of a webpage. Furthermore, he shares practical examples from his work with pseudo-elements, showing how they can be employed to achieve the desired look without overly modifying HTML. Understanding this syntax also allows for better code maintenance and the preservation of its structure in the long run.