CMS Made Simple Forums

Posted: **Mon Jul 11, 2011 1:22 pm**

Just throwing this out there !

We all know the +'s & -'s of using tables in website designs

Does anyone care ?

I for one, don't for so many reasons...

For those that don't really care, i can make so many good looking sites with tables, though my CSS sux major you know what

Should I start putting up some CMSMadesimple themes in TABLES format ?

I put one up a few days ago, followed by 2 CSS themes (the CSS were OK for my skills)

But I do have some better designs, but can only offer TABLE designs at this time.

Maybe Admin can comment on this thread.

Cheers
Mikey

Posted: **Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:11 pm**

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>

2. Center a text box using tables:
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.

Posted: **Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:17 pm**

mikeybeez wrote:But I do have some better designs, but can only offer TABLE designs at this time.

In the first place, I think all good designs are very welcome.

Maybe somebody with good css skills comes along and is willing to help.

CMS Made Simple Forums

Table Based Themes / Designs

Table Based Themes / Designs

Re: Table Based Themes / Designs

Re: Table Based Themes / Designs