Why Color Rows in Tables Exceed Columns?

One of the common issues when using CSS styles for tables is that it is possible for the color of the rows to become greater than the amount of the columns that have defined values. This usually occurs when the table has been designed with a structure that has not been correctly defined.

First, let's take a look at why this issue might arise. One common reason could be that the columns are defined in limited amounts and CSS automatically calculates the table in a way that can lead to this problem.

To resolve this issue, we can specify specific values for the widths of the columns and also utilize different CSS techniques to limit the color spans. For instance, we can use modern viewport units like rem and also relative units such as percentages to better control the width of the tables.

Let's look at a code example that uses a simple table with color rows and addresses the related issues:

First, let's create a simple title in mind for a table structure:

<style>
  table {
    width: 100%;
    border-collapse: collapse;
  }

  th, td {
    border: 1px solid #ddd;
    padding: 8px;
    text-align: left;
  }

  tr:nth-child(even) {
    background-color: #f2f2f2;
  }

  tr:hover {
    background-color: #ddd;
  }
</style>

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Name</th>
      <th>Age</th>
      <th>Occupation</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Ali</td>
      <td>25</td>
      <td>Programmer</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sara</td>
      <td>30</td>
      <td>Designer</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

Now I will explain line by line how to code this:

table
The table element appears by default with a width, but using border-collapse: collapse; causes the lines between cells to be less colored and more unified.

th, td
These tags are used for placing content in the cells of the table and with the application of border: 1px solid #ddd; and padding: 8px;, it appears more compact in relation to the table.

tr:nth-child(even)
This selector is used to give an alternating color to the rows of the table, and you can change the color of these rows with background-color: #f2f2f2;.

tr:hover
This selector provides users with a visual cue when the mouse pointer hovers over a row, changing its appearance with background-color: #ddd;.