> Can anyone explain how HTML/CSS/etc. can be "semantic" at the syntax layer when it is largely a means of specifying a UI?
"Semantic" HTML means that you have to use a purpose-made element when it's available. A link should preferably be done with <a>, not <div> or <span>. (<button> is more debatable.) HTML doesn't provide a calendar so you should roll your own with `<div class="my-calendar">`, or more recently, custom elements like <my-calendar>. You would have many internal parts within that element, unless hidden under a shadow tree, but at least that particular element can be said "semantic".
"Semantic" CSS means that you have to pick a sensible name. This is different from HTML because CSS itself has no semantics attached---you attach a tree and name subtrees with class or id. So the sensible name is not means to do anything other than managing complexity, and became out of fashion once other approaches like Tailwind were found and became feasible. In any case you would name something semantically, which may or may not translate to actual CSS class names.
> Can anyone explain how HTML/CSS/etc. can be "semantic" at the syntax layer when it is largely a means of specifying a UI?
"Semantic" HTML means that you have to use a purpose-made element when it's available. A link should preferably be done with <a>, not <div> or <span>. (<button> is more debatable.) HTML doesn't provide a calendar so you should roll your own with `<div class="my-calendar">`, or more recently, custom elements like <my-calendar>. You would have many internal parts within that element, unless hidden under a shadow tree, but at least that particular element can be said "semantic".
"Semantic" CSS means that you have to pick a sensible name. This is different from HTML because CSS itself has no semantics attached---you attach a tree and name subtrees with class or id. So the sensible name is not means to do anything other than managing complexity, and became out of fashion once other approaches like Tailwind were found and became feasible. In any case you would name something semantically, which may or may not translate to actual CSS class names.