Pinderkent: CSS versus HTML Tables: A summary of this week's discussion.

CSS versus HTML Tables: A summary of this week's discussion.

Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 at 1:10 PM.

Ron Garret's recent publication of his "Why CSS should not be used for layout" article has resulted in there being much discussion about whether CSS or HTML tables should be used for Web page layout.

This post isn't going to argue in favor of one or the other technique. It'll just link to some of the more prominent articles written recently. But if we do try to draw a conclusion from all of this discussion, it would have to be that as is often the case in the computing world, that there is not a single technique that is sufficient for all users.

In no particular order, here are the links:

"Re: "Why CSS should not be used for layout"": Claims that Ron Garret's article is "complete and total garbage." Suggests that "CSS is perfect for layouts."
"CSS for layout": Suggests that the separation of content and presentation is a good thing, but CSS doesn't fully allow for this. Inconsistent Web browser technology, especially Internet Explorer 6, makes Web development awkward, in general.
"Tables vs CSS: CSS Trolls begone": Points out that many of the world's most popular Web sites, according to Alexa, make heavy use of tables for layout. Suggests that for practical Web development, tables are quicker to work with, and it's often better to "give up" and use tables, even if they aren't as conceptually pure as CSS.
"Why CSS Should Be Used for Layout": Argues against three common criticisms of CSS. Suggests that "reasonable non-professional web designer that does not know CSS can safely choose to use tables to avoid a lot of headaches," while a professional Web designer should use CSS.
"CSS and the meaning of life": Ron Garret comments on the discussion generated by his original article.
"Stop it!!! Use CSS, use tables, use Flash, use whatever is appropriate for your page and stop telling me what to do with mine.": A Reddit discussion thread promoting the use of whatever technique and technology would work best for the developer.
"Table-based HTML is nothing compared to the evil that is Flash-only web programming": Correctly points out that Flash-based Web sites are a terrible thing.
"Don't use css or table layout, use Sass and Compass": Suggests the use of Sass and Compass for non-designers who don't want to spend a lot of time on Web page layout.
"Poll HN: CSS or Tables - Do you care?": An informal Hacker News poll about whether HTML tables or CSS is preferred.
"Page = Document + Layout": Supportive of the use of CSS, but with thoughts about how the current state of Web page layout can be improved.
"HTML layouts. Ideal solution, idea 1.": From the same author as the link above, some more practical thoughts about potential improvements.
"My Take On CSS vs. Tables": Points out that real-world constraints like budgets and deadlines lead developers to use technologies they know well and can use with little risk, such as HTML tables. Also points out that usability expert Jakob Nielsen's useit.com Web site currently makes use of tables for layout.
"The Cult of DIV": Not written as part of this past week's discussion, but still interesting. Points out the inordinate amount of time and effort some people will spent on CSS, while the same effect could have been accomplished with HTML tables much more rapidly and easily.