What is the difference between display: inline and display: inline-block?

📝 Blog Post: Understanding the Difference Between display: inline and display: inline-block

Are you confused by the CSS properties display: inline and display: inline-block? Don't worry, you're not alone! These seemingly similar properties can be a source of confusion for many web developers. In this blog post, we will break down the differences between the two and provide easy solutions to common issues. Let's get started!

🤔 What's the Difference?

Both display: inline and display: inline-block are used to make elements flow horizontally and respect the space around them. However, there are a few key differences:

display: inline

The display: inline property treats elements as inline elements, just like a span or a piece of text. This means that:

1. Inline elements do not start on a new line.

2. Width and height properties have no effect on inline elements.

3. Margins and paddings can be applied horizontally, but not vertically.

display: inline-block

The display: inline-block property combines the qualities of both inline and block elements. Here's what you need to know:

1. Inline-block elements flow inline, but unlike inline elements, they can have width and height properties applied.

2. Elements with display: inline-block can have margins and paddings applied in all directions.

3. Inline-block elements start on a new line if there is a line break or whitespace between them.

🔧 Common Issues and Easy Solutions

Now that we understand the differences, let's tackle some common issues and provide easy solutions:

Issue 1: Elements not aligning horizontally

If your inline or inline-block elements are not aligning horizontally as expected, check if there is any whitespace or line break between them. Remove or collapse the white spaces to ensure proper alignment.

Issue 2: Needing to apply width or height

If you need to apply width or height to your elements, display: inline won't work because it ignores these properties. In such cases, use display: inline-block. Remember, in some cases, you might need to adjust the vertical-align property as well to ensure proper alignment.

📢 Call-To-Action: Engage and Share!

We hope this guide has cleared up any confusion you had about display: inline and display: inline-block. Share it with your fellow developers who might find it helpful, and let us know in the comments if you have any questions or additional tips to share!

Now that you understand the difference between these two properties, go ahead and update your CSS with confidence! 😎💪

Happy coding! 🚀