Frames and tables used to be taken for the principle HTML programming types.
But time flies and as new web browsers supporting art-of-state technologies appear the situation has changed. Web programmers have received large opportunities in the field of HTML programming with layers similar to those that one can meet in Adobe Photoshop. However, if frames being too cumbersome have lost their popularity, HTML tabled-type programing still have its sticklers that are holding a fierce fight with those who prefer layer-typed HTML programming. As a matter of fact, tables have their own disadvantages but prior to its simplicity in learning this method is indeed popular among beginners and some professionals sin by using tabled-type HTML programming on their web site.
So, since now tables and layers have been considered rivals. And now when passions around layers calmed down it is high time to learn how good layers really are.
Layers are elements of HTML code that can be implemented into the web page by placing one on another accurate within a pixel. Any changes into the layer parameters are done with the help of JavaScript or VBScipt and due to that a web master is able to use different effects on web pages such as pop-up windows, revolving texts, drop-down menu etc.
A layer is set by <layer> and the position of the layer is set by attributes top (from the top of the page), left (from the left side of the screen), z-index (a place to locate a separate layer set by Cartesian coordinates; to note that the biggest layer is placed on the top).
- The method of layer positionning regarding each other allows to create interesting effects that make a web page more interesting visually
- Quick processing of layers by web browsers.
- Cartesian coordinates support allows to indicate the location of the layers on the page within a pixel.
- Layer features setting by CSS.
- Deep knowledge of languages and technologies of web programming such as JavaScript, VBScipt, CSS.
- Problems arisen while editing layer-created web pages in graphical HTML-editors.
As you can see, layers don't limit your imagination but at the same time layers are not so easy as one may thing at first sight. Moreover they don't have one general standard for all the web browsers.
That's why you cannot be 100% sure that your web pages will look identically in Internet Explorer and in Opera. That's the reason why many designers still user tables. But to notice that a great future is waiting for layer-typed programming if the problem of variant reading among browsers will be eliminated.
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