What is a common challenge when using tables for layout?

Using tables for layout indeed presents a common challenge in that they do not adjust well for different screen sizes. This inflexibility can lead to issues such as horizontal scrolling or content being displayed inappropriately on smaller devices. Unlike responsive design techniques afforded by CSS, which allow layouts to adapt gracefully to various screen sizes, tables typically have fixed dimensions that do not respond to changes in screen resolution or size. As a result, creating a user-friendly experience across diverse devices becomes problematic when relying on tables for layout purposes.

This limitation contrasts with modern web design practices that prioritize responsive layouts, allowing content to be easily accessible and visually coherent on desktops, tablets, and smartphones alike. By utilizing CSS and frameworks designed for responsive design, developers can create fluid layouts that enhance user experience, whereas tables can hinder such adaptability. This serves to highlight why the reliance on tables for layout purposes is generally discouraged in contemporary web development.