CSS or HTML: Which is Best for Setting Text Area Size?

How to Determine the Size of a Text Area: CSS or HTML Attributes?

When developing forms that include a text area, the decision often arises between using CSS or HTML attributes to specify its dimensions. Each method offers distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages and Disadvantages

• CSS (width/height)

  • Pros: Precise control over the size, flexibility for responsive design
  • Cons: Requires knowledge of CSS, may not be supported by older browsers

• HTML (cols/rows)

  • Pros: Semantic, easy to use, ensures basic dimensions without CSS
  • Cons: Less precise, may result in inconsistent spacing across browsers

Semantics and Usage

The cols attribute specifies the number of visible character columns, while rows specifies the number of visible lines of text. HTML attributes provide semantic information about the text area's expected content.

Best Practice

It is recommended to use both attributes for optimal results. HTML attributes ensure basic dimensions in older browsers, while CSS provides precise control for modern layouts.

Example

In an external stylesheet:

<code class="css">textarea {
  width: 300px;
  height: 150px;
}</code>

In the HTML:

<code class="html"><textarea cols="30" rows="10"></textarea></code>

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