What is the role of a style guide in web development?

A style guide plays a crucial role in web development by serving as a reference for design elements and standards. It provides a comprehensive set of guidelines on how to maintain consistency in design across a website or application. This includes specifications for typography, color schemes, button styles, spacing, and overall visual hierarchy. By having a style guide, developers and designers can ensure that all elements of the project adhere to a unified aesthetic and functional standard.

This consistency is vital for enhancing user experience and accessibility, allowing users to navigate the site intuitively. Additionally, having a centralized document helps streamline collaboration among team members by providing a clear framework to follow, which minimizes the chances of miscommunication or inconsistency in design.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary function of a style guide. For instance, while it may touch on layout properties, it does much more by encompassing a wide range of design principles. It does not define programming languages or provide backup for hosting services, as those topics are outside the scope of what a style guide is intended to address.