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CSS Grid vs Flexbox: When to Use What

Understanding the Difference

CSS Grid and Flexbox are both powerful layout tools, but they serve different purposes. Understanding when to use each is key to creating efficient, maintainable layouts.

CSS Flexbox

Flexbox is ideal for:

  • One-dimensional layouts (row or column)
  • Aligning items within a container
  • Distributing space evenly
  • Creating responsive navigation bars

CSS Grid

Grid excels at:

  • Two-dimensional layouts (rows and columns)
  • Complex page layouts
  • Overlapping elements
  • Creating card-based designs

The Best Approach

Often, the best solution is to use both:

  1. Use Grid for the overall page layout
  2. Use Flexbox for components within grid items
  3. Combine them for maximum flexibility
"Grid is for layout, Flexbox is for components. Use Grid for the big picture, Flexbox for the details."

Mastering both tools will give you the flexibility to create any layout you can imagine.