CSS

Overview

Discourse uses a modified BEM (Block Element Modifier) variant. Double dashes for modifiers, double underscores for elements, special prefixes for states.

When NOT to Use BEM

Utility classes are exempt from BEM naming. Simple, reusable utilities use single-word names:

• .hidden, .show, .sr-only, .clickable
• Located in common/foundation/helpers.scss
• Use !important to override component styles
• Not coupled to specific components

Use BEM for: Component-specific styling, reusable blocks Skip BEM for: Generic utilities, helpers, foundation classes

BEM Syntax Rules

Critical differences from standard BEM:

• Modifiers use double dash (--modifier), not single dash (-modifier)
• States use explicit prefixes (is-, has-), not modifiers

Modifier Application

Direct Modifier (on element itself)

.d-button {
  background: var(--primary);

  &.--cancel {
    background: var(--secondary);
  }

  &.--danger {
    background: var(--danger);
  }
}

HTML: <button class="d-button --cancel"></button>

Indirect Modifier (on parent)

.user-form {
  &__input {
    border: 1px solid var(--primary-low);

    // Indirect modifier - applies when parent has --error
    .--error & {
      border-color: var(--danger);
    }
  }

  &__label {
    color: var(--primary);

    .--error & {
      color: var(--danger);
    }
  }
}

HTML: <div class="user-form --error">...</div>

Use indirect when: Styling multiple child elements based on parent state

State Classes

States use is- or has- prefixes:

.modal {
  display: none;

  &.is-open {
    display: block;
  }
}

.form {
  &.has-errors {
    .form__input {
      border-color: var(--danger);
    }
  }
}

Visual Nesting

Always nest related elements under block:

.chat-message {
  // block styling
  display: flex;

  &__avatar {
    // element styling
    width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
  }

  &__content {
    flex: 1;
  }

  &__username {
    font-weight: bold;
  }

  &.--highlighted {
    // direct modifier
    background: var(--highlight-bg);
  }
}

Common Mistakes

Handling Legacy Code

Don't match incorrect patterns for "consistency." If existing code uses wrong syntax:

// ❌ WRONG - existing legacy code
.d-button.-cancel {
}
.d-button.-primary {
}

// ✅ CORRECT - your addition
.d-button.--success {
}

Best practice: Fix legacy patterns when touching the file (low-risk CSS change)

Minimum: Add new code correctly; don't propagate technical debt

Quick Checklist

Before committing CSS:

• Used double dash for modifiers (--modifier)
• Used double underscore for elements (block__element)
• Used is- or has- for states
• Visually nested elements under block
• Applied modifiers directly to elements OR indirectly via parent

Real Example

From Discourse chat plugin loading skeleton:

.chat-skeleton {
  &__body {
    display: flex;

    &.--with-avatar {
      padding-left: 50px;
    }
  }

  &__message {
    &.is-loading {
      animation: pulse 1.5s infinite;
    }
  }
}