CSS Layouts Vs. Table Layouts: Which One is Better?

A debate arises on which is better to use in web designing. One side seems to prefer table layouts because of its browser compatibility and quicker web lay outs. On the other side some still think that using tables for layouts doesn’t conform to the standards set by the web as well as its accessibility. To shed light on these matters let us take a look how it all started with HTML and layouts.

In the past years, protagonist of HTML never saw the use of tables to manage the web pages’ visual format. The table in itself was only used to show data with columns and rows. There was no device in place that the table could attend in a more advance layout setting, but some creative web designers figured out a way to utilize tables in making different layouts.

From then on, web designers exploited the HTML language when needed. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) began the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) in the late 1990’s. The CSS language made it possible to add styles on HTML documents. Browsers also adapted to CSS, and as a result, web designers applied CSS to improve the styles, font type, colors and background images, among others. But such fad in the use of CSS for layouts (particularly columns) did not peaked until the later period.

As the debate continues, it was seen that a new standard code is needed for website. This standard will address the web ease of access for text-readers, bots and mobile devices to name a few. The standard deals with XHTML which provides a sound structure for the content and the CSS which is used to manage different visual layout and design.

Listed are some causes why it is better to use CSS in HTML layouts than tables:

* It conforms to the standard set by W3C
* Current browsers are already integrated with CSS for layout controls ( in some cases Internet Explorer necessitates CSS hacks)
* CSS, when used properly, offers ease in making global revisions in a layout.
* Correct use XTHML documents for content and CSS for style and layout, provides website access for persons with disabilities
* XTHML and CSS when used offers lesser codes

Some web designer’s still finds table useful because they have been contented with it, for them it is still simple and manageable to use. Tables may be convenient to use in some instances. Creation of an Internet Explorer can be a tough job because it does not conform to web standards, but CSS can still find its way through it if done correctly. Thus, web designers are encouraged to reduce the use of tables in their layouts.

* CSS vs. Table based layouts: little reward
* Quicker loading of pages
* Hosting is cost efficient
* Efficiency in restructuring
* Good for Search Engine Optimization
* Convenience
* Faster website revision
* Usability
* Availability of multifaceted layouts and design

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