Both HTML & CSS continue to evolve. Understanding where it is going is part and parcel of becoming a programmer. Here we look a some aspects of the history of HTML, including some major milestones in its evolution.

At the heart of the layout engine in web browsers is a concept called the 'box model'. This defines a general layout structure for all HTML elements, providing a language for specifying important dimensions and relationships to other elements.

Using an understanding of the fundamental features of the box model we can start to produce more interesting page layouts. Specifically, we can break a page down into sections and use box model properties to dimension and position these sections in a flexible manner. This will allow is to grow multi-column pages that can vary according to the size of the browser windows used to view them.

When you finish this lab you will have the knowledge to prepare your first project for this module. The briefing is here - pay close attention to the guidelines

In this lab we will work towards developing a site with a more ambitious use of CSS. In particular, tbe box model will be used to achieve a more professional user experience.

This weeks lab will give you more practical experience od the box model and specifically how to build a simple multi-column layout using the techniques we have explored in class. You should complete this lab before starting to consider your project in detail.