In this episode, Jared talks with security researcher Lyra Rebane about pushing CSS far beyond its reputation as a simple styling language, exploring how modern features like nesting, advanced selectors, and state-based logic enable complex interactivity without relying on JavaScript. Inspired by experiments on Cohost, Lyra created projects like a fully CSS-based clicker game and even an 8086 CPU emulator that can run compiled C code using CSS variables, animations, and clever workarounds. The conversation highlights how developers often overuse JavaScript for tasks CSS can handle more efficiently, while also challenging the industry’s tendency to dismiss CSS work as less valuable, arguing instead that treating CSS as a true programming language opens up both technical possibilities and greater respect for front-end expertise.

Links:

Cohost platform

CSS nesting

:has() selector

CSS variables (custom properties)

CSS animations

CSS container queries

Cookie Clicker (incremental game example)

x86 architecture overview

8086 CPU

C programming language

Content Security Policy (CSP)

Cross-site scripting (XSS)

SVG filters

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