Removing whitespace between HTML elements when using line breaks

Dealing with inline-block and font-size

If your layout calls for display: inline-block;, you can eliminate the whitespace by setting the parent's font-size to 0.

.container {
  font-size: 0;
}
.container > img {
  display: inline-block; /* Align elements horizontally */
  font-size: initial; /* In case your images announced they'll start writing autobiographies */
}
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This focuses on ignoring space characters (including line breaks) between inline-block elements while ensuring child elements with text keep their default font size.

Utilizing flex and grid for dynamic layouts

In situations where authoring dynamic content (like dynamically generated PHP image galleries), you might want to use display: flex; or display: grid; for the container. These bad boys got you covered with flexible alignment, spacing, and no whitespace woes.

.container {
  display: flex; /* Or try your luck with display: grid; */
  flex-wrap: wrap; /* For when images decide to form an orderly queue */
}
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Make flexbox your best pal for complex layouts and let it do the heavy lifting managing whitespace and responsive designs.

Sneaky HTML comments trick

Perhaps your layout and design make changing the display type unsuitable. In such cases, sprinkling your HTML with strategically placed comments can be your secret weapon.

<div class="container">
  <img src="image1.jpg"><!--
  --><img src="image2.jpg"><!--
  --><img src="image3.jpg"> <!-- "Space? What space?" - img tag, probably -->
</div>
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With these comments as placeholders, you can indent your HTML for smooth readability and the rendered output stays whitespace-free.

Clean DOM with JavaScript

If your layout is dynamic or complex, consider using JavaScript to do a bit of housekeeping, removing unwanted text nodes:

document.querySelectorAll('.container').forEach(container => {
  [...container.childNodes].forEach(node => {
    // If it's not full of starstuff (aka whitespace), send it to the black hole
    if (node.nodeType === Node.TEXT_NODE && !/\S/.test(node.nodeValue)) {
      container.removeChild(node);
    }
  });
});
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This JavaScript snippet ensures your DOM structure is as clean and sharp as a brand new samurai sword.

HTML formatting influence

The influence of HTML formatting on layout is like an annoying mosquito in a silent room. With the right use of CSS, HTML comments and JavaScript, ensure that your code's readability does not play a morning star to your visual output.

Real-world application

Boxing then unboxing images in PHP

When dealing with PHP-driven dynamic image combinations, you need a method that allows you to insert different images without causing a whitespace riot. With flexbox or inline-block coupled with zero font-size, you get the perfect alignment with any number of images.

Inline elements' sensitivity to CSS trickery

When using certain CSS tricks, beware of their effects on inline elements. Using a font-size of zero can make child content disappear (poof! into thin air) if not reset. Floats can be like that mischievous sibling, always messing with the element's behavior and spacing. Always be prepared for their tricks.

Keeping HTML structures clean

Ensuring a clean HTML structure might call for JavaScript DOM manipulation. This ensures that your source format doesn't muddy the visual output. Strive to keep both your markup and visual output clean and orderly. No one likes a messy room, right?