Tables are definitely the way to go for consistent formatting. And CSS helps the tables stay consistent with clearly defined elements and classes. I too have been manually coding everything (HTML, Javascript, etc) before I finally got on the WYSIWYG development.....but I still check the HTML code myself even in VS. Here's an example of why:
One thing that I wish VS2005 didn't do.....when you create a table and set the cell properties to not wrap (nowrap), it generates this HTML code (Web Express Edition):
<td nowrap="nowrap" style="width: 100px"></td>
And this code is generated by VS2005 Professional:
<td nowrap="" style="width: 100px">
However, when you view the HTML code, it gives you a warning/error:
However, when you view the HTML code, it gives you a warning/error:
Web Express: Warning 1 Validation (XHTML 1.0 Transitional): Attribute 'nowrap' is considered outdated. A newer construct is recommended.
VS2005 Pro: Error 1 Validation (HTML 4.01): This attribute requires a value. If the value is enclosed in quotation marks, the quotation marks must match
The correct code should be:
<td style='white-space: nowrap; width: 100px;'><td>
Not only do Pro and Express Editions create a table differently, but they both have the sense to use the STYLE attribute for the WIDTH, but why not for NOWRAP?
Anyway, food for thought. You definintely need CSS....even in-line styles like the above example can make a difference.
William Eaton, MCSE
iTech Computer Solutions, LLC
www.itechcs.com