Fluid Layout: Placing Two Divs Side by Side

In modern web development, creating responsive and fluid layouts is crucial for providing a seamless user experience. One common requirement is to place two div elements side by side, which can be achieved using various CSS techniques. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to accomplish this task.

Method 1: Using Float Property

The float property allows an element to be placed alongside other elements. To place two divs side by side using the float property, you need to apply it to one or both of the divs.

#left {
  float: left;
  width: 65%;
}

#right {
  float: left;
  width: 35%;
}

<div id="wrapper">
  <div id="left">Left side div</div>
  <div id="right">Right side div</div>
</div>

However, this method has some limitations. When using the float property, you may encounter issues with zooming or sub-pixel problems.

Method 2: Using Flexbox

Flexbox is a modern CSS layout model that provides an efficient way to create flexible and responsive layouts. To place two divs side by side using flexbox, you can apply the display: flex property to the container element and specify the width of each child element using the flex-basis property.

#wrapper {
  display: flex;
}

#left {
  flex-basis: 65%;
}

#right {
  flex-basis: 35%;
}

<div id="wrapper">
  <div id="left">Left side div</div>
  <div id="right">Right side div</div>
</div>

Flexbox provides a more flexible and responsive solution compared to the float property.

Method 3: Using Inline-Flex

Another way to place two divs side by side is by using the display: inline-flex property. This method allows you to create a flexible container that can contain multiple child elements.

#left {
  display: inline-flex;
  width: 65%;
}

#right {
  display: inline-flex;
  width: 35%;
}

<div id="wrapper">
  <div id="left">Left side div</div>
  <div id="right">Right side div</div>
</div>

However, this method may not provide the same level of flexibility as flexbox.

Best Practices

When creating a fluid layout with two divs side by side, it’s essential to consider the following best practices:

• Use a container element to wrap the two divs and apply the display: flex or float property to it.
• Specify the width of each child element using the flex-basis or width property.
• Avoid using the float property for both divs, as this can cause issues with zooming or sub-pixel problems.
• Use a responsive design approach to ensure that your layout adapts to different screen sizes and devices.

By following these methods and best practices, you can create a fluid and responsive layout with two divs side by side that provides an excellent user experience.