Gotcha: `justify-` Main Axis & Simplicity of `gap-`

`justify-*` and the Main Axis

The `justify-*` utilities control spacing along the main axis of a flex container. This means its behavior changes with `flex-direction`.

`flex-row` (default) with `justify-between`:

Row Item 1

Row Item 2

Row Item 3

`flex-col` with `justify-between`:

Col Item 1

Col Item 2

Col Item 3

Simplicity of `gap-` for Spacing Between* Items

The `gap-*` utilities are often simpler and more direct for creating space strictly between flex or grid items, regardless of the main axis for `justify-*`. `justify-between` also adds space at the very beginning and end of the container, while `gap-*` only adds space between elements.

`flex-row` with `gap-4`:

Item A

Item B

Item C

`flex-col` with `gap-4`:

Item X

Item Y

Item Z

Gotcha Summary:

justify-* depends on the flex-direction (main axis).
gap-* is often a more direct and simpler way to add space *only between* items in both flexbox (row or column) and grid layouts. It doesn't add space at the container's edges like justify-between or justify-around do.

Gotcha: `justify-*` Main Axis & Simplicity of `gap-*`