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The Other Side Of CSS And Web Standards

By Bud Kraus
bud@joyofcode.com
Joy Of Code
Creator And Instructor

Originally Published: 2005

Enough out of me already and my serious advocacy of web design standards. I mean, I have a way of pedantically driving everyone – myself included – nuts on (what even seems to me like slavery to) the separation of structure from style. Perhaps, before I become a purist, I should take a little heed from the following two links which remind me that the promise of Cascading Style Sheets has not yet been fulfilled.

Alas, there still remain very interesting and valid points of view that say to me "Purist Beware!!"

Beginner's Guide To CSS
by Dave G

If you're moving in the direction of becoming a purist in terms of adhering to web standards by using XHTML for page structure and CSS for styling information, take a look at Dave G's serious rant. It'll make you think that maybe a more practical approach to web design is still in order.

DANGER: Dave's treatise may cause you to think again if you're planning on stripping all tables out of your web pages in favor of CSS positioning properties. I love what he has to say about float and clear.

The Web Standards Myths Debunked
by Stefan Mischook from killersites.com

I love this one as well (and I love the work that Stefan does, so get to know killersites.com (http://www.killersites.com/). He's a nice guy too).

Stefan isn't saying that web standards are worthless -- to the contrary. But he opens up the myths the evangelicals (I am not yet one of them) would like you to believe.

Here are the Myths he goes after:

  1. Web Standards equals less code - so you will have faster loading pages and you will save money on bandwidth.
  2. Your websites will be forward compatible
  3. Myth #3: Web Standards will make your website more search engine friendly.

Make sure to read the thoughtful replies to his blog. Good stuff!!

What are both these guys saying? When it comes to adherence to web standards, don't let theory get in the way of practicality.