What is progressive enhancement in web development?

What is progressive enhancement in web development?

Progressive enhancement is a web development strategy that focuses on building a basic level of user experience first, then enhancing it for users with better browsers or devices.

Can you give me an example of how it works?

Sure! Imagine a simple HTML page that displays content. With progressive enhancement, you would first ensure that this page is accessible and functional in all browsers. Then, you could add CSS for styling and JavaScript for interactivity, which would only enhance the experience for users with modern browsers.

What are the benefits of using progressive enhancement?

The benefits include improved accessibility, better performance on low-end devices, and a more resilient web experience that doesn't rely solely on advanced features.

How does it differ from graceful degradation?

Graceful degradation starts with a fully-featured experience and then works backward to ensure it still functions on older browsers, while progressive enhancement starts with a basic experience and builds up.