HTML Table Header

The HTML <thead> element represents the header of a table.
It is typically used to group the header content of the table, including column labels or titles.
The <thead> element is placed within the <table> element.
Let's explore the various scenarios and examples of using the table header in HTML.

1. Basic Table Header:

The simplest use of <thead> is to contain the header row(s) of the table:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Header 1</th>
      <th>Header 2</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Data 1</td>
      <td>Data 2</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

2. Multiple Header Rows:

You can have multiple rows within the table header:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th colspan="2">Main Header</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Sub Header 1</th>
      <th>Sub Header 2</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Data 1</td>
      <td>Data 2</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

3. Grouping Header Cells:

You can use the colspan attribute to merge multiple cells into a single header cell:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th colspan="2">Main Header</th>
      <th>Additional Header</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <th>Sub Header 1</th>
      <th>Sub Header 2</th>
      <th>Sub Header 3</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Data 1</td>
      <td>Data 2</td>
      <td>Data 3</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

4. Styling the Header:

You can apply CSS styles to the table header to customize its appearance:

thead {
  background-color: #f2f2f2;
  font-weight: bold;
}

5. Use Cases:

The table header is perfect for defining column labels or titles in a table.
It's commonly used in data tables, reports, and spreadsheets to provide context for the data presented in the table.
The header can be used to group related columns or provide hierarchical organization within the table.
It facilitates data interpretation and understanding, making the table content more accessible and user-friendly.

Conclusion:

The HTML <thead> element is a fundamental part of creating structured and organized tables in web development. By utilizing its features and examples, you can effectively design tables that convey information clearly and effectively.

Experiment with different header structures, styling options, and use cases to tailor your tables to your specific needs. With practice, you'll become proficient in leveraging the table header to enhance the presentation and usability of your web tables.

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