Categories
Web development

Ready for use: CSS3 Template Layout

Example of template layout system

I’m happy to announce the latest project I’ve been working on:

A jQuery plug-in to provide support for the CSS Template Layout Module. For those of you unfamiliar with this specification, it provides a relatively easy way to make a table-like layout using CSS. Until recently it was known as the “CSS Advanced Layout Module”.

The spec is still a “working draft”, so it can still change significantly. But while that status hasn’t stopped browsers from implementing other CSS3 modules, so far none have tried implementing this one.

Inspired by Eric Meyer‘s Call for a layout system as well as his suggestion that many CSS features can be made to work using JavaScript, I went to work. Why wait for browsers to implement something when we can have JavaScript take care of it today?

The advantages to using this system include:

  • Source independence, so there’s lots of possibilities with the same markup
  • All the benefits of a table-like design without the drawbacks
  • Instant overview of how the basic layout works just by looking at the CSS
  • No need for div-heavy CSS frameworks just to accomplish a simple design
  • Easy rearranging for different media (print, mobile)

The disadvantage to using JS rather than native support means of course that those with JavaScript disabled won’t see the intended layout. However, considering the HTML content can me put in almost any order, there is still a lot of flexibility in how it will appear to non-JS users.

The script has been tested and confirmed to work in the following browsers:

  • Internet Explorer 7+
  • Firefox 2+
  • Opera 9.6+
  • Safari 3.1+
  • Chrome 1+

For download, demos, and usage, see the Project page. Contributions welcome!

Categories
Geeky

Operanoid web game for iPhone/iPod touch

Through a little tweaking, I have modified my Operanoid (arkanoid/breakout-like game) game to work in Mobile Safari for the iPhone/iPod touch. I suppose I could call it “iphonoid” or something like that, but as a token of my apprecation of the Opera web browser, I’ll leave it the way it is.

The game could use some improvement, and I may develop it a little further if there’s enough interest in it. For now, it’s functional and playable, and still also works in desktop browsers. Enjoy!

Categories
Geeky Opera blog post

Operanoid! An Arkanoid/Breakout game for the DS Browser


A few months ago I learned about this excellent set of games created by rkm for the Nintendo DS browser.

Inspired by this, I thought I’d try my hand and at creating a game of my own for the system. Here, finally, is the result of that work. The game is fairly straightforward, move the paddle around to bounce back the ball, break all blocks to proceed to next level. Bonuses can fall and can be good or bad. Currently only four levels available, more (and further game improvements) may come later.

Categories
Opera blog post Web development

SVG Image and Background Image Replacer

It’s here! A working version of the SVG image replacement script.

Purpose

This script substitutes specified images and background images with SVG images for web browsers that support them. This makes it perfect for anyone who would like to start using SVG for their site design, but wants to make sure it will look okay for browsers that do not yet support it.

Features

  • Future-proof – Checks for actual support, no browser sniffing
  • Unobtrusive – Only affects browsers with support, uses fallback content without support or if javascript is disabled
  • Simple to use – Just include one javascript file to your pages and use the appropriate image names
  • Small file – Only 1.8 KB!