When to use tables for layout.
This post would be much shorter if I could just say NEVER!
However, there are two instances when you should use them. One is the correct reason for using tables, the other is unfortunately borne out of necessity.
You should use tables for: tabular data.
The key word there is data. It is to be used when you have information to present that would best be displayed in the form of a spreadsheet.
So, when is it necessary for you to use tables? HTML email newsletters.
For anyone who tries to conform and promote web standards, HTML email newsletters are a horrible trip back in time, like an LSD fuelled Flux Capacitor.
Sorry.
HTML email newsletters are the bane of the purist web developer for more than just this reason, but that’s another post for another time.
So, there we go, use tables for displaying data on web pages, and for layout ONLY in an HTML email newsletter.
Otherwise? NEVER.
