Block, inline, inline-level, block-level and inline block

I think the terminology of inline, inline-block, block, inline formatting
context should be tightened up. At present many of the terms are used
interchangeably, with frequently absurd results.

For example, it is stated that if float != none, display: block.

Clearly this is absurd - display: block causes a line break before and
after; not the behaviour of floats at all. They are actually inline
blocks.

Conversely images, which are exactly the same in terms of block are
described as inline elements in CSS 2.

To tighten up the often indiscriminate use of the terms I would propose
the following:
Block type:
inline - e.g., a SPAN
block - e.g., an IMG or DIV; i.e., an element with explict dimensions
Formatting context:
inline-level - e.g., an IMG
block-level - e.g., a DIV

Thus an inline block element is an inline-level block.

Note that 'inline' is unambiguous and requires no explication of
formatting context because inline elements are always inline-level.


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From Matthew Brealey (http://members.tripod.co.uk/lawnet (for law)or http://members.tripod.co.uk/lawnet/WEBFRAME.HTM (for CSS))
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Received on Monday, 28 February 2000 11:47:16 UTC