In the structure of my HTML, I have the following simplified layout:
<table>
<tr>
<td>
<div class="PromptContainer">
<span class="Prompt">Prompt text</span>
</div>
<input type="text" name="..."/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
Along with the given CSS:
.PromptContainer{
width: 0;
height: 0;
position: relative;
margin: 0 auto;
}
.Prompt{
bottom: 0;
padding-left: 0;
white-space: nowrap;
position: absolute;
}
The challenge is to center the span element over the input element without altering the size of the .PromptContainer. Due to edge alignment rules, the .Prompt element could be aligned to any edge of the input element. Additionally, the length of text inside the span element is variable and may exceed the width of the input element. Utilizing JavaScript for this task is not feasible due to a large number of such elements.
Update: For better understanding, an image illustrating the current setup and desired outcome can be viewed here:
Update 2: To elaborate on the purpose behind this inquiry, we are revamping an old, extensive application built in outdated technology into a new web-based runtime using ASP.NET. The controls in the original application are absolutely positioned, hence we maintain this approach. Each control (e.g., table of input tags) has its designated position and dimensions along with associated prompt text. Aligning the prompt text accurately poses a challenge as it is determined relative to the control's position, dependent on font settings, text length, offset from the control, and the edge to which the prompt is attached.
I am endeavoring to devise a CSS rule that correctly places the prompt text. While most configurations have been successfully tackled, centering remains a significant hurdle.
Given the absolute positioning, employing a .PromptContainer with a non-zero size is impractical - only the control's position is known, not that of the .Prompt itself. Expanding the .PromptContainer would disrupt the layout by shifting the entire control downwards.
Furthermore, ensuring that longer prompt texts do not alter the control's size adds another layer of complexity.