The Grammar and Parsing of CSS Syntax

The provided source discusses the critical role of the CSS Syntax Module Level 3 specification as the fundamental grammar and parsing model for the entire CSS platform. This specification, which replaces the older CSS 2.1 grammar, is essential because it clearly defines how raw CSS text is converted into tokens and subsequently parsed into higher-level CSS objects such as stylesheets, rules, and selectors. The text highlights that CSS Syntax establishes the core tokenization and basic parse structure upon which all other CSS modules, like Selectors and Media Queries, build their specific rules. Consequently, this foundation ensures that all browsers and development tools interpret CSS text consistently, making it the unifying "grammar of CSS." The scope of this syntax is broad, applying to any CSS text encountered, not just external stylesheets.