CSS, nested divs & margins vs. padding

Question

i totally understand the box model. this question is more about trying to pin down a semantic methodology regarding when to use margins and when to use padding.

her

Answer 1

Personally, I'd go with option a of #container {padding: 12px;} because it makes amply clear that all child elements must stay 12px away from the border of this div.

If I want other elements to stay more than 12px away from the #container's border, then I apply as much more margin to that element.

Cheers!