CSS ::before and ::after for custom animations and transitions

The guide explores how to create custom animations and transitions using CSS pseudo-elements, specifically ::before and ::after, without relying on animation libraries. It begins with an explanation of the differences between pseudo-elements and pseudo-classes, highlighting that pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after allow developers to insert content and style specific parts of an element, whereas pseudo-classes target an element's state. The guide includes practical projects such as designing an animated button and an advanced animated profile card, demonstrating the use of CSS properties like transform, transition, positioning, and z-index to achieve dynamic effects. It emphasizes the utility of animations for enhancing user experience by creating micro-interactions that engage users, while also providing step-by-step instructions and interactive code examples for readers to experiment with these techniques.