HTML Tables: A Complete Guide

When it comes to structuring and organizing data on a web page, tables are an essential tool. In HTML, the tag <table> It allows you to create tables and present information in an orderly and easy-to-understand way. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about tables in HTML and how to use them effectively.

What is a table in HTML?

In HTML, a table is a rectangular structure composed of rows and columns, where data can be displayed organized in cells. Each cell contains the information you want to present, whether it be text, images, or even more complex HTML elements.

The label <table> is used to create the table itself, and inside it are the labels <tr> for the rows and <td> for the cells. Additionally, you can use tags <th> for header cells and to assign a title to the table.

Creating a table in HTML

To create a table in HTML, follow these steps:

1. Start by using the tag <table> to start the table.
2. Use the label <tr> for each row of the table.
3. Within each row, use the label <th> for header and label cells <td> for data cells.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each row and cell in the table.
5. End the table with the closing tag </table>.

Here is a basic example of an HTML table:

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Heading 1</th>
    <th>Heading 2</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Fact 1</td>
    <td>Fact 2</td>
  </tr>
</table>

This example creates a table with 2 rows and 2 columns, where the first row is header cells and the second row is data cells.

Styling tables in HTML with CSS

Once you've created your table in HTML, you can take advantage of CSS to adapt its look and layout. CSS allows you to customize different aspects, such as colors, borders, and cell alignment.

You can style tables using table-specific CSS properties, such as border, background-color o text-align. You can also add classes or IDs to your table elements and apply styling via CSS using class or ID selectors.

Here's a basic example of how to style a table in CSS:

table {
    border-collapse: collapse;
    width: 100%;
  }
  th, td {
    border: 1px solid black;
    padding: 8px;
    text-align: center;
  }

In this example, we apply a border style to all cells and set a specific padding and text alignment.

Frequently asked questions about tables in HTML

What is the basic structure of a table in HTML?

The basic structure of a table in HTML is made up of the tag <table> as the main container, followed by the tags <tr> for the rows and <td> for data cells.

How can I add a title to a table in HTML?

To add a title to a table in HTML, you can use the tag inside the label <table>. The content of the label will be displayed as the table title.

Can I create tables within tables in HTML?

Yes, you can create tables within tables in HTML. This is known as table nesting and can be useful for presenting information organized in a hierarchical manner.

Conclusion

HTML tables are a powerful tool for organizing and presenting data on a web page. with label <table> and its related elements, you can create clear and easy-to-understand tabular structures. Using CSS, you can also customize the look of your tables to fit the design of your website. Experiment with different layouts and make the most of HTML tables!

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