What are the Key Differences Between `display:inline` and `display:block` in CSS?

Understanding the Nuances of display:inline vs. display:block

In CSS, the display property plays a pivotal role in controlling the layout and appearance of elements. Among its various values, display:inline and display:block are two commonly used options with distinct characteristics.

Let's delve into the fundamental difference between these two values:

display:block

• Indicates that the element will behave as a block.
• Creates whitespace above and below the element.
• Prevents adjacent HTML elements from being placed alongside, unless explicitly allowed (e.g., through floating).

display:inline

• Places the element within the current block, aligning it on the same line.
• Forms an "anonymous block" with minimal width when situated between block elements.
• Retains an inline status, allowing text and other elements to flow around it.

Example: Visualizing the Difference

Consider the following code snippets:

<span></span>

In this example, the element with display: inline displays as part of the text, while the

element with display: block creates a new line with whitespace above and below.

Further Reading

For a comprehensive understanding of the various display options, refer to resources such as:

• QuirksMode: http://www.quirksmode.org/css/display.html

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