What\'s the Difference Between `position: sticky` and `position: fixed` in CSS?

Understanding the Differences Between 'position: sticky' and 'position: fixed'

For beginners in CSS, grasping the nuances between 'position: sticky' and 'position: fixed' can be a challenge. Let's break down the key distinctions:

1. Position: Fixed

When applied, 'position: fixed' anchors an element to a specific position within its scrolling container or the viewport. This means that regardless of how much you scroll, the element remains in place, unfazed by the other elements in the container.

Example:

<code class="css">.stickyElement {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  right: 0;
}</code>

In this example, the '.stickyElement' will always appear in the top right corner of the viewport, no matter how much the user scrolls.

2. Position: Sticky

In contrast, 'position: sticky' initially behaves like 'position: relative'. However, as an element is scrolled beyond a specific offset, it transforms into 'position: fixed', effectively "sticking" to its position. This process reverses when the element is scrolled back towards its initial location.

Example:

<code class="css">.stickyHeader {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  width: 100%;
}</code>

With 'position: sticky', the '.stickyHeader' will be displayed as a normal element until the user scrolls past a certain threshold. At that point, it will "stick" to the top of the viewport, remaining visible even as the rest of the page content scrolls.

Key Differences:

• 'position: fixed' ensures an element remains in a fixed position, while 'position: sticky' switches between 'relative' and 'fixed' based on scroll position.
• 'position: fixed' elements do not affect the flow of content, while 'position: sticky' does.
• 'position: sticky' is a relatively new feature, so its implementation and behavior may vary across browsers.

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