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To Frame or not to Frame

 
Ranch Hand
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Nobody's really answer this question last week, so I'll try another time.

I woyuld like to know the trend for web application nowadays ? HTML Frames or HTML Tables ?
Some say HTTPSessions are harder to manage using frames, that Javascript is often needed while it could be avoid using TABLE.
On another hand, FRAMES allow to only reload what has to change in a specific target and give a more user-friendly interface

Pros and Cons welcomed !!
 
Rancher
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My peronal point of view is to always present data in a single window and never use Frames. The only times I've seen them used in a way I like is 'wrapping' pages from a remote site.
I'll explain better: site A sells bits but has no method for payment. Site B has a generic payment scheme. People buy stuff from site A, it puts a frame across the top and then sends the client off to site B to pay. As far as the client knows, they did it completely within the realms of site A.
Some problems caused by frames:
  • if you don't get it right, your frames can get all messed up (ie added complication)
  • if you try to implement a MVC pattern you'll be heading for trouble.
  • you can't mix secure and unsecure frames
  • as stated before, you can't link to a specific 'frame state', only the original one.
  • if you hit the reload button, it reloads to the original state, not the current state.
  • i hate them

  • (I'm sure I'll think of more though)
    My view is that if you would normally put common navigation elements in a frame, if you include them in a table, optimise the HTML so it isn't too heavy and include images that can be cached the overhead isn't too high.
    DOM
     
    Ranch Hand
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    I also generally avoid using frames. I did use them on one site because it was servlets and one frame held the various servlet generated pages. I aranged the content so no scroll bar showed. I once saw a site had so many frames half the screen was scrollbars.
     
    JeanLouis Marechaux
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    Thanks guys for your advices.
    I was not really confident about frames.
    Now I can forecast I will not use them...

    Randall, I love your signature
    Dont blindly believe everything I say.
     
    Ranch Hand
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    I like frames. I use them frequently for commercial development because they are great for navigation layout. It's easy to simulate the ubiquitous "toolbar" that almost everyone is familiar with, and so users know what to do if a site has navigation in a top or side frame.
    Incidentally,


    if you hit the reload button, it reloads to the original state, not the current state.


    not in Netscape 6.x.
     
    Randall Twede
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    bill,
    when i first came here i was studying for certification and answering a lot of questions in the certification forum. i didnt want people to count on me being right
     
    Don't get me started about those stupid light bulbs.
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