Question
Answer and Explanation
Creating a CSS sliding dashed line involves using a combination of CSS properties, particularly animations and background gradients. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:
1. Basic Setup:
First, create a container element (like a div) where the dashed line will appear. This container needs a specified width to allow the line to "slide." You also need to apply overflow: hidden; to hide the "extra" part of the line while it slides. Additionally, set the container's background color to something visible; this will be covered by the dashed line.
2. Creating the Dashed Line with a Gradient:
Next, create the dashed line using a repeating linear gradient as the background for the container element. You define the dash and gap using the gradient color stops. You would need a transparent color as well to create the dashes.
3. Animating the Background Position:
To make the dashed line slide, animate the background-position property using CSS @keyframes. By changing the background's position over time, you create the illusion of movement.
4. Example Code:
Below is the code example for a horizontal sliding dashed line:
<div class="sliding-dashed-line"></div>
.sliding-dashed-line {
width: 300px; / Line length/
height: 2px; / Line Thickness /
background-color: #eee; / Background color behind the line /
overflow: hidden;
background-image: linear-gradient(to right,
transparent 0%,
transparent 5%,
black 5%, / Start of dash /
black 10% / End of dash /
);
background-size: 20px 100%;
animation: slide 5s linear infinite;
}
@keyframes slide {
from { background-position: 0 0; }
to { background-position: 100% 0; }
}
This setup will generate a dashed line that moves from left to right. Adjust the width, height, background-size, and the gradient color stops to customize the line's appearance.
5. Customization
You can easily adjust the speed using the animation timing, the line thickness using the height, the color of the line, and the spacing using the gradient positions. For a vertical line, simply change the gradient direction to 'to bottom' and set the width/height values as well.
This approach provides a performant and responsive way to create a sliding dashed line without the need for complicated Javascript code.