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Chapter 3: Frames and Why Not to Use Them
Frames are an HTML technique that can be use to divide the browser window into two or more rectangular regions. You might see, for example, a table of contents on the left side of the screen and the content on the right. Each frame displays a separate HTML document. Because the individual frames scroll independently, you can in theory create some attractive and easy to use Web pages this way.
Note that I say in theory! In practice, frames usually introduce a variety of problems that may not be apparent to the Web page author. Let's take a brief look at these.
The success of the World Wide Web is based in part on the simplicity of the underlying concepts. One URL refers to one and only one page. With frames, this correspondence is lost. A frames-based page has its own URL, but the page itself rarely contains any content. Rather it contains links to other Web pages that contain the actual content; it is these pages that are displayed in the frames. Suddenly the situation changes--a URL no longer points to a page of content but rather points to a frames page which then points to the actual content. The fundamental structure of the Web is broken.
This alone is enough reason to avoid frames, but there is more. Browser support for frames varies, both between browser brands and between versions within a brand. The overwhelming use of Microsoft Internet Explorer has lessened this problem but not made it go away.
The final problem with frames that I'll mention is search engines such as Yahoo! and Google. The break in the URL-content link, mentioned above, can be fatal to a search engine trying to index your page. While some search engines have been programmed to "drill down" through a frames page to the underlying content, you cannot count on it. Given the importance of the search engines in locating Web content and drawing visitors to your site, this is a serious shortcoming.
This is not to say that there are no situations in which frames can be used to advantage. With advanced Web authoring techniques, some of the disadvantages can be overcome. For someone just getting started with Web design, however, they should not be used. Frames are created using the <frameset> and <frame> tags. I mention this only so you'll recognize them when you see them in the source code for someone else's Web page. Frames will not be covered further in this book.
CoffeeCup Software started in a real Coffee House 1996. Our first program was the HTML Editor. Over the last 10 years we have created a lot more Web Design & Flash Software. Our philosophy has always been to create software and services so you can make better Websites. We are dedicated to helping you by offering extraordinary support so we can succeed together. Consider us a partner and a friend, because we really are about Fresh Software and Warm People.
