Re: Table row padding erratum

On Mon, 7 Feb 2000 04:02:08 -0800 (PST), Matthew Brealey
(thelawnet@yahoo.com) wrote:
> 
> <blockquote
> cite="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-CSS2/tables.html#collapsing-borders">
> Note that in this model, the width of the table includes half the table
> border. Also, in this model, a table doesn't have padding (but does have
> margins).
> </blockquote>
> 
> This should also state that rows cannot have padding in the collapse
> border model either - the implication by the absence of a statement on the
> subject is is that they can; if this implication is followed, the
> collapsed border model is ruined because borders do not necessarily adjoin.

Section 17.6 of CSS2 clearly defines the formatting model in the two
border models, and neither of these involve the use of padding on any
table elements other than cells.  The spec defines a formatting model
for tables that conflicts with, and therefore overrides, other
formatting models described in the spec.  It doesn't need to state that
the overridden parts of the other formatting models do not apply.

You are correct that it *could* make such a statement, and it might be
clearer to do so.  However, the absence of such a statement does not
imply anything.  (I guess it could also be stated explicitly that the
sections on table formatting are authoritative when it comes to tables,
although it's usually clear which sections of the spec override
others.  It might also be better to state the exceptions to the rules
where they are originally defined.)

The original proposed border model in early drafts of CSS2 did involve
a full(er) box model on all elements, but I imagine it was scrapped
because it was too complicated.  I guess it could reappear, but it
would have to do so as a third border model.

-David

L. David Baron    Sophomore, Harvard (Physics)    dbaron@fas.harvard.edu
Links, SatPix, CSS, etc.     <URL: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~dbaron/ >
WSP CSS AC                      <URL: http://www.webstandards.org/css/ >

Received on Friday, 25 February 2000 12:44:46 UTC