Re: what is dt?

On Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:02:42 +0200, Shelley Powers  
<shelleyp@burningbird.net> wrote:

>>> We keep referencing the importance of semantics, but most of the  
>>> considerations about elements to use for Figure and Details have been  
>>> based on some physical characteristic or behavior. Physical  
>>> characteristics and behaviors, I should add, that came about because  
>>> of earlier, non-compatible semantics.
>>
>> That's exactly right - the other plausible existing elements are ruled  
>> out because of their pre-existing use and behavior. I don't have a  
>> strong opinion on <dt> vs. a new element - as far as I'm concerned,  
>> either is acceptable. All I wanted to do is clarify why <caption>,  
>> <label>, or other similar elements, are not an option for technical  
>> reasons that go beyond aesthetics.
>>
>
> Actually, label has been found to be acceptable for use with Figure.

I don't think <label> is acceptable, because it interacts with form  
controls and is generally allowed anywhere. What if you want a form  
control in the figure caption? What if you want a <label> as the figure  
content? It wouldn't work if <label> was used as the figure caption.

Also, <label> is rendered as an inline element in legacy browsers, but a  
figure caption should be block level.

<dt> does not have these problems.

-- 
Simon Pieters
Opera Software

Received on Thursday, 17 September 2009 14:22:43 UTC