Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

CSS CSS Basics (2014) Basic Selectors Descendant Selectors

Lu Favela
seal-mask
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Lu Favela
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 15,571 Points
Posted by Lu Favela
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Lu Favela
Front End Web Development Techdegree Student 15,571 Points

I'm having trouble understanding "span". Can someone help with a different form of explanation? Thanks.

I am confused on how span works.

style.css 
/* Complete the challenge by writing CSS below */
index.html 
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Lake Tahoe</title>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="page.css">
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css">
  </head>
  <body> 
    <header>
      <span>Journey through the Sierra Nevada Mountains</span>
      <h1>Lake Tahoe, California</h1>
    </header>
    <p>
      Lake Tahoe is one of the most <span>breathtaking attractions</span> located in California. It's home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's reputation.
    </p>
    <a href="#">Find out more</a>
    <div class="main-content">
      <h2>Check out all the Wildlife</h2>
      <p>
        As spawning season approaches, the fish acquire a humpback and protuberant jaw. After spawning, they die and their carcasses provide a feast for gatherings of mink, bears, and Bald eagles.
      </p>
      <a href="#">See the Wildlife</a>
    </div>
    <footer>
      <p>All rights reserved to the state of <a href="#">California</a>.</p>
    </footer>
  </body>
</html>

2 Answers

Anthony gedeon
Anthony gedeon
6,140 Points
Anthony gedeon
Anthony gedeon
6,140 Points

inline elements like <em>,<span>,<strong>,<img> are used within the text. But for the <span> element it makes it easier to style text.

   For example: <span>Name:</span>

You can style this span tag with an id or class using CSS. Also, the span tag has no meaning to it. . . it is basically a wrapper like the div element. but the only difference is that a div element is a block element.

Jonathan Grieve
MOD
Jonathan Grieve
Treehouse Moderator 91,253 Points
Jonathan Grieve
Jonathan Grieve
Treehouse Moderator 91,253 Points

Span is an inline element. It's like the "inline" equivalent of div which stretches to fill the size of its parent element, including the root element.

To clarify further a block level element takes up the full width of the browser screen or however large its parent element is. But an inline element only takes up as much space as its content and is a way to display elements side from side from each other on the screen rather than on top.