When it comes to Web design, there is one battle that seems to have gone on for ages. Which is better, using tables and classic code in your HTML code to design things or use cascading style sheets (otherwise known as CSS)?
Some people can get really fanatical when it comes to this topic but I am going to call it right down the middle and let you know why both can be good for you.
Why Should You Design With Tables and Classic Code in Mind?
Many people that got started coding Web pages when the Web was still young learned to do it with tables. For that reason alone, some people don’t want to change because designing with tables is what they know. Once you know the table basics, it is pretty easy to jot down some HTML and make a pretty basic layout.
The problem is that can be very limiting when you want to do certain things that tables just can not do. When you want things in an exact spot or you want to change around some font sizes or colors. Then we get in a little ‘bit of trouble.
Why Should You Design With CSS in Mind?
There is no secret that CSS does have its advantages. For one, it makes changing between layouts a breeze. All you need to do is edit one external CSS file, and you can go from having a blue background to a red one without touching any other file on your server.
You have much more control as well over the layout. Just change a few lines here or there and you have your navigation bar move from the left to the right.
Who Wins This Battle of Designing Ways?
I might make a few people mad, but in my mind CSS wins hands down. It allows you to write much cleaner looking code for your Web sites and is just more efficient in the long run. For those of you scared to make the transition over you can mix some old school elements with CSS as well.
I have several Web sites that have a basic table backbone and then everything else is designed with CSS. Which side of the fence are you on? If you have an argument for or against either side – leave it in the comments because I’d love to hear it.
Related Podcast Link: Listen to Episode 101!
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