What is the difference between transitions and animations in CSS?

What is the difference between transitions and animations in CSS?

Transitions in CSS allow you to change property values smoothly over a specified duration when an element's state changes. Animations, on the other hand, can create more complex sequences of changes and can run continuously or be triggered by events.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! For a transition, you might change the background color of a button when hovered over. For an animation, you could create a bouncing effect for an element using keyframes.

When should I use transitions instead of animations?

Use transitions for simple state changes that require smoothness, like hover effects. Use animations for more complex sequences or when you want to control the timing and repetition.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, transitions are generally more performant for simple changes, while animations can be more resource-intensive, especially if they involve many keyframes or run continuously.