Code formatting tool vs css styling examples

Introduction

When sharing code snippets online—whether in documentation, forums, or paste bin services—developers often face a dilemma: should they rely on a code formatting tool or use CSS styling to ensure readability and aesthetics? Both approaches have their merits, and the best choice depends on context, platform, and personal preference.

In this post, we’ll compare code formatting tools and CSS styling for displaying code, exploring their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.

What Are Code Formatting Tools?

Code formatting tools automatically apply syntax highlighting, indentation, and line numbering to raw code snippets. Popular examples include:

• Prism.js – A lightweight syntax highlighter for the web.
• Highlight.js – A library that detects and styles code dynamically.
• Pygments – A Python-based syntax highlighter often used in static site generators.

Advantages:

• Ease of Use – Just paste your code, and the tool handles styling.
• Consistency – Ensures uniform formatting across different languages.
• No Manual CSS Required – Works out-of-the-box with minimal setup.

Limitations:

• Limited Customization – Some tools restrict color schemes or layout adjustments.
• Performance Overhead – Larger libraries may slow down page load times.

Using CSS for Code Styling

Instead of relying on a third-party tool, developers can manually style code blocks using CSS. This approach offers fine-grained control over appearance. Common techniques include:

• Applying a monospace font (font-family: monospace).
• Setting background colors and borders for better contrast.
• Using white-space: pre to preserve indentation and line breaks.

Advantages:

• Full Customization – Tailor the design to match your brand or preferences.
• Lightweight – No external dependencies, improving performance.
• Flexibility – Works well with static sites or minimal setups.

Limitations:

• Manual Effort – Requires writing and maintaining CSS rules.
• No Syntax Highlighting – Without additional JavaScript, plain CSS can’t differentiate keywords, strings, or comments.

When to Use Each Approach

Choose a Code Formatting Tool If:

• You need quick, hassle-free syntax highlighting.
• Your platform supports JavaScript libraries (e.g., blogs, forums).
• You work with multiple programming languages and want consistent styling.

Opt for CSS Styling If:

• You prioritize performance and minimal dependencies.
• You want complete control over the visual presentation.
• Your use case involves static sites or environments where JS is restricted.

Combining Both for Best Results

For the best of both worlds, many developers combine a lightweight syntax highlighter with custom CSS. For example:

1. Use Prism.js for syntax highlighting.
2. Override its default theme with custom CSS for unique branding.

This hybrid approach balances automation with personalization, ensuring readable and visually appealing code snippets.

Conclusion

Whether you use a code formatting tool or CSS styling depends on your project’s needs. Formatting tools save time and ensure consistency, while CSS offers unmatched control. For many, a combination of both provides the ideal solution—automated highlighting with tailored aesthetics.

Next time you share code online, consider these trade-offs to make your snippets as clear and professional as possible!