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How to make fill height

html
responsive-design
css
javascript
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Sep 30, 2024
TLDR

You can make the <div> stretch to the height of its <td> container by applying the CSS rule height: 100% to the <div>. It is pivotal to confirm that the <table>, <tr>, and <td> also have height properties defined.

table, tr, td { height: 100%; /* course, don't forget about your root elements! */ } td > div { height: 100%; /* there you go, div! Stretch your legs */ }

Don't forget: For the 100% height to work on the <div>, its parent <table> should have a set height.

Interplay of CSS and HTML structures

You can get your <div> to fill your <td> fully by setting the height of your <td> to a certain value. This ensures that the <div> correctly calculates its height as a percentage of the <td>. Rejoice! The <td> will expand automatically with the content within it. If there are any icons floating around, well, you just need CSS's background-position to keep them at bay!

td > div { background-image: url('icon.png'); background-position: right bottom; /* icon, you stay in your corner */ background-repeat: no-repeat; /* one icon is plenty, thanks */ }

Sometimes, using display: inline-block on your <div> will help make it stretch completely. There's no harm in having a safety net - a minimum height min-height on <td> to keep things neat even when the contents become a ghost town:

td { min-height: 50px; /* at least give me this much, will ya? */ } td > div { display: inline-block; width: 100%; /* go, fill up this horizontal space, my friend */ }

Oh, and if there're the elderly in the room, browsers I mean, absolute positioning can win you a height jackpot:

td { position: relative; /* stand strong, td */ } td > div { position: absolute; /* adventure mode: on */ top: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; right: 0; }

Meeting the dynamic content challenge

Working with dynamic content feels like chasing a ball that's rolling downhill. Fear not, jQuery can adjust your <div> height even when it's changing faster than a chameleon's colors. Here's how you can use magic wands... oops, I mean jQuery:

$('td').each(function() { var dramaQueen = $(this).find('div'); /* Our div in distress */ dramaQueen.height($(this).height()); /* Your wish is my command, dear Div */ });

Your div's mission to match its parent's height is now completed! But hey, keep an eye out for padding or borders on your <td>, they might play a sneaky trick on the available height.

Resorting to non-CSS solutions

Ever had a situation that didn't bow to CSS? Sometimes, even Javascript or jQuery come to the rescue like superheroes in night suits. If you're staring at an image that's changing the layout faster than media headlines, try this out:

$('img').on('load', function() { // Adjust div height after image loaded, like adding more popcorn when the bucket's empty });

If your layout appears like a jigsaw, you can also use arrays to manipulate heights dynamically. Now, isn't that relieving?

Strategize the positioning

Ever tried to stick a poster on a place you can't reach? Similarly, placing an element or an icon within your <div> under specific conditions might need some strategy. Consider coordinate mapping to ensure the div height adjusts without kicking the harder-to-place element out:

function levelUpIconPosition() { /* Only the advanced players get here. Game on! */ }

Best practices and common gotchas

Even though performance can become a concern with these techniques, always ensure that any use of Javascript does not compromise your user experience. Keep in mind that making a responsive design can sometimes feel like trying to fix a car while it's moving. But remember, testing in various environments will ensure that your implementation is not just fancy, but also quite sturdy.