Dynamic HTML: The Definitive Reference

Name

<DL> — NN all IE all HTML all

Synopsis

<DL>...</DL>

End Tag: Required

The DL element is a part of the DL, DT, DD triumvirate of elements used to create a definition list in a document. The entire list is bracketed by the DL element’s tags. Each definition term is denoted by a leading DT element tag, and the definition for the term is denoted by a leading DD element tag. A schematic of a definition list sequence for three items looks like the following:

<DL>
    <DT>Term 1
    <DD>Definition 1
    <DT>Term 2
    <DD>Definition 2
    <DT>Term 3
    <DD>Definition 3
</DL>

The entire list must close with an end tag for the encapsulating DL element. Note that the DL element is the container of the entire list, which means that inheritable style sheet rules assigned to the DL element apply to the nested DT and DD elements. Unwanted inherit-ances can be overridden in the DT and DD elements.

Although the HTML specification forces no particular way of rendering a definition list, Navigator and Internet Explorer are in agreement in left-aligning a DT element and indenting any DD element that follows it. No special font formatting or visual elements are added by the browser, but you are free (if not encouraged) to assign styles as you like. If you want to stack multiple terms and/or definitions, you can place multiple DT and/or DD elements right after each other in the source code.

Because HTML is being geared toward context-sensitive tagging, avoid using definition lists strictly as a formatting trick (to get ...