Quickest way to design?

[birdman5]

I have always tended to code my sites using just HTML and Javascript. I'm now getting into php and dynamic websites, and was wondering what is the quickest way to get a site up and running? Any good php template tools, or site builders?

My new site will basically consist of a home page, user login, some dynamic content, and a phpbb forum. At the moment i'm just writing this using MSE and pure code, but I am finding this very time-consuming.

Any ideas, suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[styleswebdesign.com]

We start with a plan. Meetings take place with the person (s) who are going to be involved from your company. We review your short and long-term goals of this site. Together, we develop the final plan for the structure of the web site. With all of the information gathered, we develop a graphical site map for your review and approval. This is necessary step prior to moving to the design stage.


My steps For a basic WebSite.
When I design, i start with photoshop, or Fireworks. I then slice the image using fireworks for the image to be viewable in a browser. I then use Dreamweaver and import my page. I delete any images i wont be using in the tables that are empty(I set background colors in the tables were i deleted the images so it doesn't load any images and loads faster.

Depending on scripts i use, i import them into the code using dreamweaver, notapad can aslo be used.

My work: styleswebdesign.com

 

[aal814]

I also recommend Macromedia Studio or just Macromedia Dreamweaver, its a super professional web site designing program with alot of features. You can do all types of webdesigning with it. all the way from php,cgi,asp,javascript,html,css and the list goes on.

 

[birdman5]

Thx - think i'll go with dreamweaver, looks like it does everything i need and more. Just received my copy of PHP Web Development with Macromedia Dreamweaver Mx 2004, as well so should be up and running in no time!

 

[webdn]

first I design with photoshop.then slice the image using photoshop(I use photoshop often). Then I use Dreamweaver .

 

[AbsolutelyFreeWeb]

You could make use of a CMS system and customize your pages instead if you want it up real fast

 

[Miyavi]

I've still never touched DreamWeaver...
...I'm not saying it's bad, but, I've just never bothered (yet, anyway).

I always just make up my entire layout in Photoshop, slice it, and code it in Notepad.
-Simple enough, but... it works.

 

[Rowan W]

Dreamweaver can get on my nerves sometimes, as it gereates so much unecessary crap that you have to keep going back through the code to fix it up.

On the other hand it does speed up the process a lot and makes a lot of things easier, you just have to be careful.