Poll: Do you use definition lists?
Thursday May 24, 2007
I'm always surprised when people talk about lists, they almost never include definition lists. But they are so useful.
Once I stopped thinking of them as definition lists and started thinking of them as "name=value" pairs (yes, I took programming classes) they became much more interesting to me. These blog posts could be formatted with definition lists. The title is the dt and the blog post is the dd. Address books can be displayed as definition lists (name = dt and address = dd). In fact, there are lots of things that can be marked up as definition lists - but you still rarely see them on Web pages - except for glossaries, of course.
Do you use definition lists?
What other things can you think of that could be marked up as a definition list?.
Comments
Huh??
Sakmaniac: you’re going to have to be a little more communicative than just “Huh??”
Are you confused by the question? Surprised at the poll results? Or just generally in a “huh??” mood?
Maybe Sak is wondering what a definition list even is. I know I’m a little confused.
Good point Delilah. I’ve added some links to the post to help explain what a definition list is.
Now that you have jogged our brains
would be kind enough to provide links to a few examples of actual use. May sound like a dumb request; I get it, but a few uses will be very helpful.
Thanks!
I’m definitely inclined to agree with Jennifer on this one - definition lists are indeed very useful in the “name/value” stakes - here’s an example of my own making (used on a site FAQ page) for Gary to take a look at:
http://www.thebirthdaysite.co.uk/faq/
In terms of semantics, I think I can just about get away with using this kind of list in the above example
Hi Gary, Actually, the definition list article that I added to the post, linked to in my previous comment, and linked to here has lots of examples of how the definition list is used and can be used. Did you look at that? Is that not what you mean?
I have used DL for listing books. Put the title in the DT, the description in the DD.
Getting old is difficult; did not scroll down the page! Thank you for your patience.
In the process of installing Studio 8; upgrading from MX.
Hope you have a wonderful Memeorial Day weekend.
I’m using definition lists for name, address, phone, etc. I’m not sure whether it’s semantic or not, but I like the format.
http://www.portphilly.com/truck.php
I’ve used it in the past for dialogue, too.
This looks like a great idea!
I’m learning something new here every week!
Thanks for the reminder, Jennifer, that definition lists have multiple uses.
Off topic, I am very appreciative of all your well-written articles (including Dreamweaver which I, and many others in the industry, use every day!)