How Can I Simulate colspan and rowspan with CSS `display: table-cell`?

Implementing Table-Like Behavior: Addressing the Absence of Colspan and Rowspan in CSS Display: Table-Cell

Modern web development often involves styling elements to behave like tables. Using CSS properties like display: table and display: table-cell, developers can achieve a table-like layout. However, there is a limitation when it comes to simulating the fundamental features of colspan and rowspan.

Consider the following HTML and CSS code:

HTML:

<div class="table">
  <div class="row">
    <div class="cell">Cell</div>
    <div class="cell">Cell</div>
  </div>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="cell colspan2">Cell</div>
  </div>
</div>

CSS:

.table {
  display: table;
}

.row {
  display: table-row;
}

.cell {
  display: table-cell;
}

.colspan2 {
  /* What to do here? */
}

The goal is to make "Cell" in the second row span across two columns. Unfortunately, there is no direct equivalent to colspan or rowspan for CSS elements with display: table-cell.

As per research, this limitation stems from the fact that the display: table layout mode is not a full implementation of the HTML table model. It mimics certain table-like behavior, but not all. Thus, we lack the ability to define colspan or rowspan explicitly.

In such scenarios, it's recommended to explore alternative approaches to achieving the desired table-like layout without relying on display: table. One possible solution is to use flexbox. Here is an example:

CSS:

.flex-table {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: row;
}

.flex-row {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: row;
}

.flex-cell {
  display: flex;
  flex: 1 0 auto;
}

.colspan2 {
  flex: 2 0 auto;
}

This solution involves using flexbox to create a table-like layout while still providing support for colspan and rowspan. Note, however, that different browsers may render the layout slightly differently. It's always advisable to test the code thoroughly across browsers to ensure consistent results.

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