Webkit is an open-source browser engine initially developed by Apple for its Safari browser. It consists of core software components that parse web content and render it to the display. Webkit's design enables it to parse and render web content, including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
The connection with CSS lies in Webkit's ability to parse and render CSS code. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a language for styling HTML or XML documents. It empowers developers to control layout, fonts, colors, spacing, and other visual elements of web pages.
As a browser engine, Webkit's performance and features are crucial for CSS support, as developers rely on it to ensure web pages display correctly across various devices and browsers. For example, Webkit has introduced and supported many new CSS3 features, such as animations, rounded corners, and shadows. This necessitates continuous updates to Webkit to keep pace with the evolution of CSS standards.
A key advantage of the Webkit engine is its close adherence to and rapid implementation of CSS standards. For instance, Apple utilized Webkit during the iPhone development because it provides a smooth user experience and support for advanced web standards (including new CSS features). This allows the Safari browser to display complex page layouts and dynamic effects without compromising performance or compatibility.
In summary, Webkit is a core component of web development and rendering, playing a critical role in rendering CSS styles and achieving cross-browser compatibility.