BEM: Building scalable and maintainable CSS
BEM (Block, Element, Modifier) is a front-end naming convention that helps create reusable and maintainable CSS code. It provides a structured approach to writing class names, making it easier to understand the relationships between different parts of your website's interface.
This methodology is crucial for projects of all sizes, but particularly beneficial for larger, complex websites where managing css can become challenging.
What to look for in BEM freelancers
When hiring a BEM freelancer, look for demonstrable experience in implementing BEM in real-world projects. A strong understanding of CSS principles, such as specificity and inheritance, is essential. They should be able to articulate the benefits of using BEM and how it contributes to a more organised and scalable codebase.
A good BEM freelancer will also be proficient in preprocessors like SASS or LESS, which often enhance the BEM workflow.
Main expertise areas within BEM
Clients should inquire about a freelancer's experience with:
- Implementing BEM in different CSS architectures (e.g., SMACSS, ITCSS)
- Using BEM with JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js
- Setting up and maintaining BEM naming conventions within a team
- Experience with CSS preprocessors and build tools
Relevant interview questions
Consider asking the following questions:
- Can you explain your understanding of the BEM methodology and its benefits?
- Describe your experience implementing BEM in a previous project. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- How do you ensure consistency in BEM naming conventions within a team environment?
- How do you approach refactoring existing CSS to follow BEM principles?
- Can you provide examples of your BEM coding style?
Tips for shortlisting candidates
- Review portfolios for clear examples of BEM implementation
- Look for well-structured and organised code
- Ask for code samples or conduct a small coding test to assess their practical skills
- Check their understanding of related front-end technologies and their ability to adapt to different project requirements
Potential red flags
Be wary of candidates who:
- Cannot clearly explain the BEM methodology
- Lack practical experience implementing BEM in real projects
- Demonstrate a poor understanding of CSS fundamentals
- Have a portfolio lacking clear examples of their BEM skills
Typical complementary skills
BEM often goes hand-in-hand with other front-end skills such as:
- HTML5 and CSS3 proficiency
- JavaScript and JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js)
- CSS preprocessors (SASS, LESS)
- Responsive web design
- Version control (Git)
Benefits of hiring a bem freelancer
Hiring a skilled BEM freelancer can bring significant benefits to your project, including:
- Improved code maintainability: BEM makes it easier to understand, modify, and maintain your CSS codebase, reducing future development time and costs.
- Enhanced scalability: The modular nature of BEM allows for easier scaling of your website's CSS, accommodating future growth and design changes.
- Reduced CSS conflicts: BEM's naming conventions minimise the risk of CSS conflicts, leading to a more stable and predictable front-end.
- Improved team collaboration: BEM provides a clear and consistent framework for writing CSS, facilitating better collaboration among developers.
- Faster development cycles: Reusable BEM components can speed up development time, allowing for quicker turnaround on projects.
For example, imagine a large e-commerce website with thousands of products. Using BEM, a freelancer can create reusable components for product listings, ensuring consistency and making it easier to update the styling across the entire site.
Another example is a complex web application with numerous interactive elements. BEM can help organise the CSS for these elements, making it easier to manage their states and interactions without creating unintended side effects.
By understanding the benefits of BEM and knowing what to look for in a freelancer, you can ensure your project benefits from a clean, maintainable, and scalable CSS architecture.
