1. Introduction

In this tutorial, we aim to explore the best practices for working with CSS Variables, also known as CSS Custom Properties. We will delve into strategies to organize your variables, effective naming conventions, and how to handle scope and inheritance efficiently.

By the end of the tutorial, you will have a firm grasp on:
- How to declare and use CSS variables
- The naming conventions for CSS variables
- How to handle scope and inheritance

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of CSS

2. Step-by-Step Guide

2.1 Declaring and Using CSS Variables

CSS Variables are declared in a property and are prefixed with --. They are case sensitive and can be used by calling var() function.

:root {
  --main-color: #36a2eb;
}

body {
  background-color: var(--main-color);
}

In this example, we defined a variable --main-color in the :root selector (which represents the root of the document) and used it as the background-color of the body.

2.2 Naming Conventions

It is a good practice to use meaningful names for your variables that reflect the variable's function. Also, using hyphen-separated names (kebab-case) is a common practice.

:root {
  --main-background-color: #36a2eb;
  --main-font-size: 16px;
}

2.3 Scope and Inheritance

CSS variables are subject to the same scope and inheritance rules like other CSS properties. A variable declared inside a selector will only be available within that selector and selectors inside it.

body {
  --main-color: #36a2eb;
}

div {
  background-color: var(--main-color); /* Unavailable here */
}

In this example, --main-color is not available in div because it is declared inside body.

3. Code Examples

3.1 Example 1

:root {
  --primary-color: #007bff;
  --secondary-color: #6c757d;
}

body {
  color: var(--primary-color);
  background-color: var(--secondary-color);
}

In this example, we define two variables --primary-color and --secondary-color in the root of the document. We then use these variables to style the body's text and background color.

3.2 Example 2

:root {
  --font-size: 16px;
}

p {
  --font-size: 18px;
  font-size: var(--font-size);
}

h1 {
  font-size: var(--font-size);
}

In this example, we define a global --font-size variable. In the p selector, we override the global variable. The h1 selector, however, still uses the global variable.

4. Summary

In this tutorial, we learned the following key points:
- How to declare and use CSS variables
- The naming conventions for CSS variables
- How to handle scope and inheritance

Next steps for learning could include delving deeper into CSS variables in responsive design or exploring CSS variables in theming. Additional resources include the MDN Web Docs and CSS Tricks.

5. Practice Exercises

5.1 Exercise 1

Create a stylesheet with at least three variables: --main-color, --secondary-color, and --tertiary-color. Use these variables to style a simple HTML page.

5.2 Exercise 2

Create a stylesheet where you define a global --font-size variable. Then, in at least two different selectors, override this variable with different values.

5.3 Exercise 3

Create a stylesheet where you define some variables inside a specific selector, and try to use them in a different selector. Can you explain the results?

Remember, practice is key when getting to grips with new concepts. Happy coding!