When is it ok to use tables in standards compliant XHTML?

Question

Basically I am learning XHTML and CSS, and I try not to use tables at all for formatting the page, because CSS can do that.

But I'm having a hard time grasp, exactly when it IS ok to use tables. For instance, designing a page with tables in mind is a no-no. But what about using a table around a form field? I don't really see how you would properly format a form field/registration page with input fields without using a table.

Thanks in advance, don't really know about tables, didn't think I really needed em, let me know.

Answer 1

Tables are appropriate for displaying tabular data. For instance, if you were retrieving a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers from a database and displaying them on your page, you'd want a table.

You can use a table to lay out a form page, but it's just as easy to do it with css. Here are some good semantic form layout templates:

http://www.themaninblue.com/writing/perspective/2004/03/24/

Answer 2

XHTML & CSS are really cool. I like them a lot as i am a developer and and had developed number of sites those are XHTML compliant.

Generally XHTML need lots of hardwork to make data display in proper format. YES LASSY people can use tables in XHTML code, no problem for lassy people, but the real hard work and fun is using only DIV & SPAN. I will suggest if time is less then go for tables OR always best is not to use tables at all.

Ask your question related to XHTML & CSS in forum.

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Technical Team
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Answer 3

If you put form fields into a table then you can use the label tag to make sure screenreaders match up the right words with the right form field.

But you can format form fields without a table, using CSS.

Answer 4

It's okay to use tables in those cases where you have tabular DATA (like, say, a table of human names with their ages, addresses, phones, and like that).

For forms, it's awkward. Consider a screen reader, which might be used by, either, someone who's unsighted, or someone who's driving a car to work and lands on your website and can't LOOK at the screen and is having the website sounded out to them by the screen reader in the car!

The screen reader reads DOWN the first column, then down the second column.

So, if your form labels are in one column, and your form FIELDS are in the second, then the screen reader will read, "name", "address", "email", "phone", then "fill it out here", "fill it out here", "fill it out here", "fill it out here" ... see?

Answer 5

sure! it somewhat is the place we initially had our son's changing table. The window seal got here in SO reachable for putting his used diapers on mutually as i ended changing him. We ended up paying for an entire length mattress to put in his nursery (alongside with is crib) for whilst he's fussy. I had to circulate his changing table to the different area of the room to create area for the mattress. i individually omit that window seal! it somewhat is been 3 months by using fact the swap and that i nonetheless omit that window seal! :) i might particularly propose putting the changing table next to the window! :) congratulations on the toddler!