CSS media queries are essential tools for creating responsive web designs, allowing developers to adapt web applications to various devices by applying specific styles based on conditions such as device type, screen size, or orientation. Originally introduced in the CSS2 specification, media queries have evolved to support a wide range of devices, providing more control over web content rendering. Despite the emergence of new CSS techniques like grids and Flexbox, media queries remain valuable for their flexibility and ability to handle unique use cases that predefined structures cannot accommodate. Developers can use media queries in combination with other CSS elements to enhance functionality and creativity, making them a crucial skill for achieving comprehensive responsiveness. They are especially important in a mobile-first design strategy, helping developers ensure that web applications are versatile and user-friendly across different platforms and screen sizes. While media queries offer broad cross-browser compatibility, some older versions of browsers may not fully support them, but they continue to be widely adopted and integral in modern web development practices.