Why does z-index not work?

Question

So if I understand z-index correctly, it would be perfect in this situation:

Answer 1

Make sure that this element you would like to control with z-index does not have a parent with z-index property, because element is in a lower stacking context due to its parent’s z-index level.

Here's an example:

            
    





// CSS //
.content {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
}

.modal {
    position: fixed;
    z-index: 100;
}

.side-tab {
    position: fixed;
    z-index: 5;
}

In the example above, the modal has a higher z-index than the content, although the content will appear on top of the modal because "content" is the parent with a z-index property.

Here's an article that explains 4 reasons why z-index might not work: https://coder-coder.com/z-index-isnt-working/