What does a style guide provide in web design?

A style guide in web design is primarily focused on establishing standards for design consistency across a website or application. It acts as a reference document that outlines how various elements should appear and behave, covering aspects such as typography, color palettes, imagery, button styles, and spacing. This ensures that all pages and components have a cohesive look and feel, which enhances user experience and reinforces branding.

By adhering to a style guide, designers can maintain uniformity throughout the project, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with the website. This consistency helps users develop familiarity and trust with the site, as they can predict how elements will function and appear based on their previous interactions.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of a style guide in web design. Software installation instructions pertain to setting up applications rather than design elements, database management strategies relate to data storage and retrieval, and security protocols for users focus on safeguarding user information rather than design aesthetics and guidelines.