Flexible Box Model: Display: flex, box, flexbox

The introduction of the flexible box model in CSS3 has revolutionized the way we design layouts. However, the existence of multiple values for the display property (flex, box, flexbox) can lead to confusion.

Understanding the Differences

The three values are essentially different syntax for the same model. They all implement the flexible box layout specification, which provides enhanced control over the layout and positioning of elements. However, there are some subtle differences in browser support:

• display: box: Introduced in Firefox 2.0 and Chrome 4.0, support is limited and wrapping is not fully implemented.
• display: flexbox: Available in Chrome 17 and Internet Explorer 10 (prefixed), it has been phased out in favor of flex.
• display: flex: The current standard, supported by modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer 11.

Which Value to Use?

The choice of value depends on browser compatibility requirements. If support for older browsers like Firefox 2.0 is necessary, you may need to use display: box. However, for the best compatibility and flexibility, display: flex is the recommended choice.

Note:
It is generally advisable to include both flex and box properties in your code, especially when targeting older browsers that support the flexbox spec (e.g., IE10). This ensures cross-browser consistency.

By understanding the differences and browser support for these values, you can effectively utilize the flexible box model to create responsive and adaptable layouts.