For designing the layout of a modern web page, which approach is generally better and why: using table elements for layout or using div elements with CSS based layouts?

Introduction / Context:
Early web pages often used HTML tables to create complex layouts, but modern best practices favor using semantic elements and CSS for positioning and design. Div elements, along with newer semantic tags, provide a flexible structure that can be styled with CSS Grid, Flexbox, and other layout technologies. Interview questions frequently compare table based layouts with div and CSS based layouts to test whether candidates understand current standards and accessibility considerations.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Tables were historically used for layout but are now recommended primarily for tabular data.Div elements and other structural tags are commonly used with CSS for page layout.The question asks which approach is generally better and why.We assume a modern web development environment with good CSS support.

Concept / Approach:
Using div elements and semantic HTML tags with CSS based layouts offers several advantages. It separates content structure from visual presentation, making the markup cleaner and easier to maintain. CSS Grid and Flexbox allow responsive designs that adapt to different devices without changing the HTML structure. Screen readers and search engines can better interpret semantic layouts than deeply nested tables that are misused for layout. Tables still have an important role when displaying true tabular data, but they are no longer considered best practice for general page layout.

Step-by-Step Solution:
First, recall that table based layouts require complex markup and often mix visual concerns directly into the HTML.Next, consider how div elements and semantic tags such as header, nav, main, and footer can structure content more clearly.Then, recognize that CSS can position these elements using modern layout techniques, achieving the same visual results with cleaner code.After that, evaluate the options and look for the one that recommends div elements with CSS while leaving tables for genuine tabular data.Finally, identify option A as the statement that aligns with modern best practices and standards.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reviewing current guidelines from major front end frameworks and accessibility resources, you will find consistent advice to avoid using tables for layout. Responsive design tutorials show div based and semantic layouts combined with CSS Grid or Flexbox, not with nested tables. Tables are reserved for data like schedules or reports where rows and columns have clear relationships. This widespread consensus confirms that option A is correct and reflects how professionals structure pages today.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B claims that tables are better because CSS cannot control layout, which is outdated and ignores strong support for CSS layouts in modern browsers. Option C suggests using inline font tags, which are deprecated and focus on text styling rather than layout. Option D recommends frames, which are largely obsolete and introduce major usability problems. Option E advocates using no tags, which would result in unstructured pages that are hard to style, navigate, and index.

Common Pitfalls:
Some developers coming from older practices still rely on tables for layout, leading to rigid designs that are difficult to make responsive. Another pitfall is overusing generic div elements without semantic meaning, instead of using more descriptive tags, which can reduce accessibility. A good approach is to combine semantic HTML structure with powerful CSS layout features while using tables only where there is genuine tabular data. This leads to cleaner, more maintainable, and more accessible sites.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is: Using div elements with CSS based layouts is better, because it separates structure from presentation and keeps tables for tabular data only.