Question

We’re looking to use CSS to create an ordered list that looks like this:

A.
A.1
A.2
B.
C.
C.1
C.2
C.2.1
C.2.2

How would you include the parent index in the child like this?

Answer 1

You should use CSS counters ^{W3C specs} (as @Zeta) has pointed out, but here is an approach that will handle multiple nesting and latin counters ..

ol{
    list-style: none;
}
ol.roman{
    counter-reset: roman;
}
ol.roman > li:before{
    counter-increment: roman;
    content: counter(roman, upper-latin)".";
    padding-right:5px;
}
ol.roman li ol{
    counter-reset: inner;
}
ol.roman ol li:before{
    counter-increment: inner;
    content: counter(roman, upper-latin)"."counters(inner,'.');
    padding-right:5px;
}

Demo at http://jsfiddle.net/gaby/nZQSF/