what is CSS?
Traditionally, Web pages have been written in a language called HTML, and each Web page has contained both the content (e.g. text, images) on that page, and the styling information to show how to display it (e.g. Web page layout, font types and sizes).
The alternative is to use CSS, which is a mechanism whereby it is merely the content which is contained on the Web page, and the styling information is contained separately. This approach has various advantages. Firstly, multiple Web pages from the same site may refer to a common CSS document, meaning that it is possible to implement a site-wide style change (e.g. the basic font) by one simple alteration rather than having to edit each Web page individually. It also leads to less cluttered Web page code, as the styling information is removed, which makes the content simpler to update.
what is XHTML?
XHTML is an updated version of the traditional Web language HTML. It allows for vastly more standardised Web page production (see this page for reasons why this is essential).
are they too new to be useful yet?
These technologies are already being used to great effect (you are currently reading a Web site written using them!) and this is only the beginning. Microsoft's Internet Explorer - traditionally very unpredictable regarding CSS compatibility - has its version 7 coming out in the near future. This will contain much improved CSS support, and will allow Web designers such as myself greater flexibility in creating sites.
how do I use them in my site?
The good news is that more and more people are using CSS/XHTML rather than traditional HTML. The bad news is that they are often only half using it: they are using some CSS on their site, but combining it with HTML styling information as well. This is purely a sloppiness issue, as everything can be achieved in CSS. There are Web designers such as myself who will produce a Web site in pure CSS/XHTML, taking the time to craft the code well. This will give excellent, appealing presentation, which anyone can view.
Article last modified: Thursday 09 March 2006