Dreamweaver any use?

[WhiteWebServices]

Background: So far I've been building websites in a text editor. I decided to expand my skillset, so wanted to buy Flash. I also wanted to upgrade my graphics software to Fireworks. It was cheaper to order Studio 8 than just Flash and Fireworks, so I'm now going to have Dreamweaver too.

The Question: Is there any situation where I'd be better off using Dreamweaver than hand-coding?

 

[Mike]

Upfront, i'm not a coder. However, from what i understand, Dreamweaver is a pretty nifty app since you can build your pages via visuals and then switch back to code, in the SAME window, and vice versa. This should make it a pretty good thing for you, the HTML jockey, since you don't have to open additional browsers and such. Also, Dreamweaver is used for other programming languages such as Cold Fusion, php, etc. as well, making it a very versatile and "simple" to use program. Flash and Fireworks tie right into it, after all they come in the same suite. So far i've just played around with it and love it. Again, i'm NOT a coder; for someone with coding skills, you should be able to create some really kickarse sites with it.

Just my .02 euros though.

 

[WhiteWebServices]

Thanks for the response. I realise now I mis-phrased the question; what I meants was: Is there any situation where I'd be better off using Dreamweaver than *just* hand-coding?

You're right that there's potentially a convenience benefit (however, I have two monitors hooked up, one for the code and one for the browser, so already have that covered). By the way, does anyone know what browser Dreamweaver's preview is closest to (IE? Firefox?)?

One specific thing I was wondering about was whether large sites was easier to manage in Dreamweaver (automatic updating of menus across multiple files, etc.).

Thanks for the help...

 

[skrilla]

For a seasoned coder to switch to dreamweaver is unlikley imo, but I also believe you will cut your time spent coding in half using dreamweaver. One big thing for me when it comes to Dreamweaver is the fact that u can set up multiple server connections.. which allows easy fast updating of content without needing to pull files from ur server and re-upload them. also like gjsys said.. u can work in code or design view or both (split screen) which does help speed up the process. There are also many many plug-ins for dreamweaver as well. I am confident that if you start using it you will more than likey never go back to coding in a text editor ever again lol. And for teh inexperienced coder..its a savior.. I pretty much learned how to code in dreamweaver.. never knew a thing b4 i started using it..

DreamWeaver A++

oh and for teh browser Q u can choose any browsers you want to set as default for your previewing. but there is no need if u have a conn to ur server and can easily and quickly update pages without even pullingthem from the server.

 

[WhiteWebServices]

oh and for teh browser Q u can choose any browsers you want to set as default for your previewing.

Very useful; thanks.

I am confident that if you start using it you will more than likey never go back to coding in a text editor ever again lol.

I'll try to resist. Dumping the text editor would be like going over to the dark side. It'd be like dumping Linux for Windows, or a Mac for a PC. (Actually I have a PC and use Windows, but you get the point; it'd be a betrayal.) Using DreamWeaver every now and again, with good reason, on the other hand, might be okay.

 

[Mike]

oh and for teh browser Q u can choose any browsers you want to set as default for your previewing. but there is no need if u have a conn to ur server and can easily and quickly update pages without even pullingthem from the server.

F12 for the quick preview in the browser of your choice.

 

[skrilla]

Very useful; thanks.



I'll try to resist. Dumping the text editor would be like going over to the dark side. It'd be like dumping Linux for Windows, or a Mac for a PC. (Actually I have a PC and use Windows, but you get the point; it'd be a betrayal.) Using DreamWeaver every now and again, with good reason, on the other hand, might be okay.

lol Understandable.. but be cautious.. the dark force runs deep within dreamWeaver mwuuaaahhh lol

 

[JGjg]

if you want check out my free dreamweaver videos at http://www.resource-website.com

I love dreamweaver, it is very awesome.

 

[DirectoryMan]

I recommended using Dreamweaver. You an use as many or as little of their features as you want.

 

[Albino]

haha, a hard core coder who is afraid to use anything but a text editor :P

there is no shame lost using dreamweaver for everything, but the only times you will probably find it useful (ie different from a text editor really), are the multiple connections (but that can be done with ftp clients, such as smart ftp), when you move a document, the links to it are automatically updated. it has an autocomplete feature that saves time as well, but not much if you're a fast typer.

if its cheaper to get it anyway, just have a play, see if you like it.

 

[cera]

I switched from hand coding with a text editor about 6 years ago mostly cause I'm a lousy typist - slow. Using Dreamweaver increased my productivity immediately and I generally liked the neat code it creates.

I'm sure that I have forgotten some html because other than the occassional tweak or when I'm working with a non-Dreamweaver friendly cms I depend on DW.

Re: large site updating - Dreamweaver has a template system and/or chunks of code can be saved as site 'assets' or 'snippets' that make updating real quick. You can also use a site wide 'search and replace'.

Bad news is - To get the most from Dreamweaver you will need to spend some time figuring it out 'cause there are so many features, options and you'll find yourself typing code in it's editor window rather than figuring out how to get Dreamweaver to do what you want.

 

[WhiteWebServices]

Thanks for the responses. I think for now I've got enough on my plate getting to grips with Fireworks and (more difficult) Flash, so will stick with the text editor for now. I think Dreamweaver may be helpful with some types of project at some point, but not just yet. Thanks again to all though.

 

[dhscott]

Dreamweaver is very nice, but it is also very expensive!

Considering I only have the one license, I use Dreamweaver at home and elsewhere (usually on a laptop or my portable hard drive) I use NVU. Its free and is made by Mozilla. It is no longer supported however which is a great shame. It still does the job however!

 

[BMFX]

Honestly Dreamweaver is my life saver, I used to do the very free coding jobs in text editors, so as you know it's hard. To be honest i never understude dreamweaver when i had the demo, again that was when i was 12 - 13. I never touhed intill i got adobe creative suite this xmas.

Which has...

PhotoShop CS2
Illustar CS2
GOLive
DreamWeaver
Designer 7.0 (just saw that never used haha)

Haha anyways thanks to sister (college student) got for $500.

But Yes dreamweaver is all that once you understand it haha

 

[WhiteWebServices]

Haha anyways thanks to sister (college student) got for $500.

I got Studio 8, and because I'm using it for commercial purposes couldn't save money by getting the teacher / student edition. Still, shopping around online saved me over £100 on the Adobe / Macromedia price.

 

[Kadenz]

Dreamweaver may be expensive, but it's worth it! Saves tons of time! I can do some scripts, etc. post this post, go back to scripting in half the time! The $500 or so you pay for it will pay off when you have more time to do other things. May be a few minutes, but it adds up.

 

[jesse1]

pretty much always dreamweaver will be a time saver IMO

 

[BuzzGuyz]

Help Files

Lot's of reading in order for sure. I find that reading everything you can within the help files is step one. Getting a good book on it is the next. All the resources they have posted is great too.

I have to say that Dreamweaver will save you time. Once you figure out the flash.

Read read read. . . .

 

[dmi2]

Hand-coding is the best way. Most of the designers use FP, then Dreamweaver, and then eventually come to hand-coding. Simply, you can do everything with hand-coding.

 

[member-33795]

Dreamweaver is awesome, you have a preview area and code suggest!

Thanks