subject: The Benefits Of Tableless Design [print this page] User friendliness User friendliness
The internet is no longer confined to just the PC. Many people access it by using mobile phones and PDAs. These devices find it considerably easier to access sites with tableless design. In addition, the format is more compatible with screen readers and Braille devices. Tableless design also easily converts and can provide layouts for print that exclude advertising or navigation elements.
Browser Compatibility
Virtually all browsers are compatible with CSS layouts, meaning that anyone, anywhere in the world will be able to access your site.
Simplicity
Regular table based formats have table tags which are accompanied by all their offspring or sub-tags. CSS tableless layouts do not and therefore have fewer tags and simpler code.
Maintenance
A website always requires updating. Whether these are visual or content changes, a table based layout will require an experienced HTML editor and a great deal of time and effort. The simplicity of CSS means that all the layout information can be found in one place and the pages are less cluttered. It separates content from presentation, thereby making it easier to update and maintain.
Operation
Though not proven, it is generally accepted that because CSS is simpler and lighter on code, it performs better. This means that it runs faster and uses less bandwidth.
SEO
Lastly, and most importantly, because CSS tableless designs use fewer tags, the ratio of content to code is higher. This is favourable to search engines and will help to optimise your site.
