Rules of Thumb and Common Pitfalls

The following are the most common problems I have experienced myself and have witnessed in my CSS students:

1. Syntax errors: check both your HTML and your CSS W3C validators. Syntax problems can lead to display problems, especially in IE.
2. When checking the results of your coding, perform it in the following order:
   1. Firefox
   2. Safari
   3. Chrome
   4. Netscape (optional)
   5. IE8, IE7, IE6
   6. Opera
   7. Other
3. Ensure that IDs are used only once on a page. Use IDs (not classes) for primary space containers.
4. Redefine tags within containers.
5. Only use classes as a last resort (e.g. the exception to the rule)
6. If you have made code changes but do not see them reflected in your browser:
   1. Clear your browser’s cache
   2. Make sure that you updated the correct file and uploaded it to the correct location!
7. When you have completed your first round of CSS development, go back through the code and see if you have any redundant or unnecessary definitions.

Return to Examples page

All photographs taken on location by A. E. Shroeder

TIP