tableless css web 2.0 layout

[hojo]

hi folks, been a while since I been around these parts but I hope someone can help me with this new job I've been given.

it was requested upon me to create a fairly web 2.0ish design using tableless css. doing some research into web 2.0ish designs I found sites like blogger.com and others that show information by calling dynamic data. this makes me think that I just need to make containers, and the content will be called in like with a content management system?

the tableless css bit I'm clueless still to, even after searches and readings.

any help would be most appreciated,
thanks!

[jp182]

i think that means (i am NO expert) that they want you to use css create the content placeholders or layers (for lack of a better word) instead of tables. That's all.

[hojo]

sounds easy enough, guess I got some readin to do on using CSS with Dreamweaver.

thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[fasterthanlight™]

Yea, the dynamic stuff is a whole other world... To have a tableless css site doesnt mean you have to have a content management system... to learn more about tableless design your best bet would be to visit the CSS Galleries thread within the Kool Sites forum here at Kirupa

Study the HTML and CSS of sites you like, as well, w3schools (google it) has a lot of resources and lessons

[duncanhall]

This really depends on what the site is for (and who). The whole web 2.0 thing mainly refers to sites that yes, are designed in a certain way, but also offer something more. Sites like wordpress.com, flickr.com and myspace.com are prime examples because they offer the user something almost tangible, and the ability to get invloved and interact. To me, web 2.0 design is typified by sites like http://script.aculo.us and http://gr0w.co.uk/ - elegantly styled, crisp and free from clutter. Both these sites also tick the 2.0 box by providing a service to people that enables them to do more with the web. In my opinion thats what really makes a site 'web 2.0', with the design coming second.

Without knowing what your site needs to be/do, its difficult to say much. CSS over tables is definately the way to go. Less code, accessibilty options, SEO advantages, it's all about CSS. See http://w3schools.com/css/default.asp and also http://www.tjkdesign.com/articles/one_html_markup_many_css_layouts.asp for help on getting started. As for content management, this depends on you, and your client. If you know how to go about a CMS, and your client would benefit from being able to manage the site himself, then go for it. Again, CSS will work to your advantage when building a CMS.

[hojo]

ahah! my cloud of confusion is now disapating with you gentlemen.


Less code, accessibilty options, SEO advantages, it's all about CSS.

I feel I have a much better idea of what I should be shooting for. the previous layout I had been working on just wasn't cutting it and I couldn't really determine why.

with CSS my goal should be to call things such as fonts and colors externally? my only failed grasp is that of using CSS beyond colors and fonts. I'm going to just work on a PSD for now until I'm able to read up on those links.

once more, many thanks folks.

[fasterthanlight™]

Think about it like this, HTML is your bones and joints, CSS is your skin and hair

Do not do annnnny styling in the HTML, that goes for bolding, fonts, colours...Basically your site sshould look black and white with default everything without CSS

Then you add the CSS to do things like arrange divs where you want them, apply colours to your fonts and add background images etc etc etc.. all the fun stuff is CSS