What is the difference between inline and block elements in HTML?
Theme: HTML Role: Front End Developer Function: Technology
Interview Question for Front-End Developer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Front-End Developer: Creates the user interface and user experience of websites and applications. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into HTML with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: Inline elements do not start on a new line and only take up the space necessary for their content. Block elements, on the other hand, start on a new line and take up the full width available
- Display: Inline elements have a default display value of 'inline' or 'inline-block', which means they can appear alongside other elements horizontally. Block elements have a default display value of 'block', which means they stack vertically
- Width & Height: Inline elements do not have width and height properties. Block elements can have width and height properties applied to them
- Margin & Padding: Inline elements do not have top and bottom margins or paddings. Block elements can have margins and paddings applied to all sides
- Content Flow: Inline elements do not interrupt the flow of the content and can be placed within a line of text. Block elements create a new block-level box and break the flow of the content
- Examples: Examples of inline elements include <span>, <a>, and <strong>. Examples of block elements include <div>, <p>, and <h1>
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Technical knowledge: Assessing the candidate's understanding of HTML and its elements
- Problem-solving skills: Evaluating the candidate's ability to differentiate and apply appropriate HTML elements based on requirements
- Attention to detail: Checking if the candidate understands the nuances and implications of using inline and block elements in HTML
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of understanding: Providing incorrect or vague definitions of inline and block elements
- Inability to provide examples: Not being able to give specific examples of inline and block elements
- Confusion with CSS properties: Mixing up the concepts of inline and block elements with CSS properties like display: inline and display: block
- Limited knowledge of HTML structure: Not understanding how inline and block elements affect the overall structure and layout of an HTML document
- Failure to mention default behavior: Not mentioning that block elements start on a new line and take up the full width available, while inline elements do not start on a new line and only take up the necessary width for their content
- Lack of awareness of semantic meaning: Not recognizing that certain elements have semantic meaning and should be used appropriately, such as using block elements for structural elements like headings and paragraphs