Macromedia

Dreamweaver MX 2004

Jack Adwell

jadwe01s@uiuc.edu

Types of HTML Editors

I my research I learned that there are basically two types of HTML editors: text and WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)-editors.

Text editors are for those people who love writing their programs in code. Naturally, to use this type of editor requires knowledge of HTML and other web technologies like JavaScript, Perl, CSS, and server-side scripting. These programs do have wizards that assist with syntax, keyboard shortcuts and formatting to assist the user in inserting common HTML elements. Examples of HTML text editors would be CuteHTML, Professional Notepad, HotDog 7 Professional, and TACO for MACs.

The WYSIWYG editors provides a visual interface that allows the user to see how the page will appear when displayed by the web browser. These programs are designed for the novice user that does not have knowledge of HTML. Using the built-in wizards and an embedded layout engine (similar to those used by web browsers) the editor actually writes the HTML code based on the graphic design the user inserts into the webpage screen. I do not have any experience designing or building web pages, but in our EPSY 457 course this summer, I did build my first ePortfolio using Nvu, a simple but effective WYSIWYG. It took about a day to figure out how to use it and before long I had created and posted my first website. You can see the website at http://students.ed.uiuc.edu/jadwe01s/ePortfolio/. Examples of WYSIWYG editors would be Microsoft Frontpage, Adobe Go Live, Mozilla Composer, Nvu, and Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Some programs, like CoffeeCup HTML Editor 2006 combines both a Code Editor and a WYSIWYG Editor into one program, thus giving you the best of both worlds.

And the Winner is. . .

After reviewing many of the "freebies" and the stronger professional editors, I decided to choose something more middle of the road. Macromedia HomeSite is a light-weight code-only editor that has received some great reviews. (HomeSite was orginally developed by Allaire but was purchased by Macromedia in 1996 and Macromedia has now been purchased by Adobe). Because HomeSite is now owned by Adobe, it appears that there are no plans to continue developing the program. This changed my mind and I decided to review Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004. This is not the latest version, since Dreamweaver 8 has recently been released this year, but I had a copy of this full-blown version and I have always wanted to learn how to use it.

It didn't take long to realize this was nothing like the Nvu program I had used earlier. This was a professional web development program equipped with every imaginable design tool to develop a web site from start to finish and then maintain that site. It reminded me of the first time I installed Adobe Photoshop and began learning how to use its many resources. I still have not mastered that program. Dreamweaver challenged every part of me, especially my patience. I used tutorials and finally resorted to using a textbook to try to learn just the basics, and after several long days, I think I have actually mastered how to setup my webpage and use tables in formating. However, I have not even begun to scratch the surface of its many capabilities.

Cost and Benefit Analysis

The new Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 retails at around $350; however, you can purchase the Academic Version for $190. Dreamweaver is the premier web development software on the market today and does offer many benefits to the experienced web designer. I found it interesting how many schools across America have purchased the softwae for their teachers. I would not offer this program to software novices, unless the school is prepared to provide the necessary professional development time and training needed to get past the frustration phase and actually begin to make the program work for you. Because I plan to expand my knowledge in web design, I would pay the extra, and will, for this program.