Setup options and the learning project
For a quick experiment, use the official Tailwind Play environment. For a production app, install Tailwind through the integration appropriate to your build tool or framework. Tailwind CSS v4 has a CSS-first setup and differs from many older v3 tutorials; when following a guide, verify which major version it targets.
Throughout this course, build a small TaskFlow dashboard: a responsive header, task summary cards, a task list, filter controls, a form, and a dark theme. You will progressively improve the same interface instead of learning isolated utilities without context.
Suggested workflow
- Start with semantic HTML and a working app.
- Add layout utilities before decorative styles.
- Make the smallest viewport work first.
- Add responsive and interaction states.
- Test keyboard focus, contrast, and production output.
- Practice project:
TaskFlow dashboard - Prerequisites:
Basic HTML; CSS fundamentals are helpful - Version note:
Prefer current Tailwind v4 documentation
Tailwind v3 and v4 setup instructions are not interchangeable. If a tutorial asks you to create a tailwind.config.js and use @tailwind base, it may be describing v3.
What should you verify before copying Tailwind setup instructions?