On the `dl`

Exploring the often-overlooked HTML <dl></dl> element – the Definition List. Ben Myers highlights its usefulness, particularly for representing name-value pairs, such as lodging amenities, billing details, or technical glossaries. Each of these scenarios is ideally suited to the semantic structure provided by <dl></dl>.

Here's a simple example illustrating the <dl></dl>, <dt></dt> (definition term), and <dd></dd> (definition description) elements:

Element

Definition List

Coolness Factor

10/10

Versatility

7/10

Myers notes the practical accessibility benefits of <dl></dl>, especially for screen readers, which typically announce the number of items in the list. However, the exact counting method (total children, only <dt></dt> elements, etc.) remains a point of interest.

Interestingly, while nesting

elements within a <dl></dl> might seem unconventional:

Title

Designing with Web Standards

Author

Jeffrey Zeldman

Ethan Marcotte

Publisher

New Riders Pub; 3rd edition (October 19, 2009)

...it proves surprisingly useful for styling purposes, allowing for easier visual grouping and styling of "rows" or the addition of borders between groups. This flexibility is unique to <dl></dl> compared to ordered or unordered lists. The author concludes by playfully questioning the potential resurgence of the <hgroup></hgroup> element.

The above is the detailed content of On the `dl`. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!