Adobe Dreamweaver
Adobe Dreamweaver is the industry standard when it comes to web design software. The program allows users to create attractive websites with a vast library of tools.
- Complete set of website development tools
- Code view and WYSIWYG view
- Code suggestion
- Code correction
- Superb file management
- Library of website templates
- Vast toolkit
- Intuitively assists with coding
- Integrates with Photoshop
- Supports all forms of website code
- Very expensive
- Takes time to learn
- WYSIWYG editor doesn't always work
Make no mistake, Adobe Dreamweaver is capable of creating amazing websites. For many years this program has set the bar for web design. It includes every tool that a web developer could want. Photoshop can also be integrated with Dreamweaver to provide an all-in-one graphics and web development platform. The primary function of the software is to create HTML and CSS. It is designed for those who have some experience coding HTML, but there is also a WYSIWYG feature that lets users see what a website will look like. The downside of this feature is that it doesn't always accurately represent how a site will look on a specific browser. Code highlighting is one of the program's most beneficial features. At a glance the developer can spot HTML, Javascript, CSS, and more. As one might imagine, this saves time and effort during the coding process. Dreamweaver also provides code suggestion. This is done in a manner similar to the way text apps make automatic suggestions and corrections. The code suggestion is accurate and intuitive. A split window will allow users to simultaneously observe the code view and the WYSIWYG editor. Mistakes in code can be quickly identified thanks to a built-in checker. The included file manager works very well and makes transferring files to a web server quick and easy. Finally, there is a huge library of templates that are useful when users want to create large websites with multiple pages. As good as Dreamweaver is, there are some downsides. Those new to the software should prepare themselves for a significant learning curve. The interface can be overwhelming with its huge assortment of tools. The product is also pricey. A fully functioning version costs around $800. The WYSIWYG editor is also hit and miss. Users can work for hours on a site and think they have it right before discovering that things don't display properly in an actual browser. Adobe Dreamweaver is ideally suited to those individuals who code a large number of websites on a regular basis. These people will find it to be the premier web development tool.