We don't live in 1999 anymore, CSS is not that difficult to learn
I find this a pretty good article on table vs. css layouts:
http://webdesign.about.com/od/layout/a/aa111102a.htm
The essence:
For some reason, CSS positioning has been a big resistance for many HTML developers. But even though you've been using tables to design your Web pages this long, it's time for a change. Take the plunge and learn to use CSS. You won't be sorry.
Let's take one simple example and see how many code you can save by using CSS and how difficult is really is.
1. Center a text box using tables:
Your code:
Code: Select all
<__html>
... titles, metadata and stuff
</__body>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td width="33%"></td>
<td width="33%">The text you want centered</td>
<td width="33%"></td>
</tr>
</table>
<__body>
</__html>
Your code:
Code: Select all
<__html>
... titles, metadata and stuff
</__body>
<div id="content">
<span id="center">The text you want centered</span>
</div>
<__body>
</__html>
Your CSS:
Code: Select all
#content {width:100%;}
#center {width:33%;margin:0 auto;}
In my opinion the latter example is shorter to write, so you'd have more time to drink coffee, which is very important
There is less change of forgetting to close a tag, since there are less tags
It also creates a nicer source code, less text equals better readability for whitty collegues you'd want to check your work.
And, big advantage, CSS provides so much more nice features to style your website!
Take a look at the examples here:
http://www.csszengarden.com/
Click on the right side of the website to see it in another design. Notice the fact that the html never changes, it is purely css driven.
After pasting that link, I can't understand why I'm even explaining this. You can do so much more with CSS.
You've learned to work with tables, so you should be able to start over and learn it the right way
Little anekdote:
I've been tying my own shoelaces for a long time and always thaught I was doing the right thing. But, somehow they would become loose during the day and I'd have to tie them again.
I then
found out that I was doing it wrong. Change one simple step and everything changes. Life became easier.
