What is the main benefit of using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) in web design?

The main benefit of using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) in web design is that it allows for the separation of content from design, which greatly enhances the maintainability of a website. By separating the structure of the content (HTML) from its presentation (CSS), developers can update the visual style of a website without needing to alter the underlying content. This not only makes it easier to apply consistent styling across multiple pages but also simplifies updates and modifications. For example, if a web designer wants to change the font or color scheme of a site, they can do so by modifying the CSS file without needing to touch the HTML files, which reduces the risk of errors and makes the design process more efficient.

Using CSS also achieves better responsiveness and control over layouts, especially with techniques like media queries, allowing for adaptable designs across different devices and screen sizes. This separation of concerns is a foundational principle in web development that contributes to cleaner code and more streamlined workflows.