summary vs. caption

The caption element is used to name the table that follows and to provide 
basic information about the table's function. The caption is displayed on the 
web page so attention must be paid to the alignment and other layout 
implications.
The summary attribute is used to enhance understanding of the table. Unlike 
the caption element, the summary attribute is not visually seen as part of the 
table. Since the text in the summary is not seen, the visual layout of your 
page will not be effected. You would need both the caption and summary if you 
want to include a more detailed summary and also want to display the caption 
on screen as part of the layout.

Denise Wood


In relation to mark up for data tables, can anyone clarify for me what
summary="blah" and <caption>blah</caption> intended to do and if I need to
have them both. I seem to be using the same bit of text for both and have
come to the conclusion that either I'm using one of them incorrectly or I
should only be using one of them (but which one).

tia

Julian

Julian Scarlett
Web Design & Document Management System Officer
PPU
Education Directorate 
Sheffield City Council
0114 2735721
mob 07904914976

- -------------------------------------------
Denise

Dr Denise L Wood
Lecturer: Professional Development (online teaching and learning)
University of South Australia
CE Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Ph:    (61 8) 8302 2172 / (61 8) 8302 4472 (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Fax:  (61 8) 8302 2363 / (61 8) 8302 4390
Mob: (0413 648 260)

Email:	Denise.Wood@unisa.edu.au
WWW:	http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/homepage.asp?Name=Denise.Wood

Received on Tuesday, 4 December 2001 10:06:30 UTC