Web Design Software

James asks…

What web design / development software is the best?

I have been told so many different versions of the ” Best ” Web design software.
For a few years I was learning, practicing and using Microsoft Publisher.
A Sales rep from one store told me I would need to use front page.
Another store told me to use Adobe and last I was told to use Microsoft Visual Basic.

And the prices of each of these are drastically different.

Does anyone know which software is the best or let me know if there is an even better one than I listed above?

Thank you for your time
CE

admin answers:

I’ve written websites for major international companies and i’m rewriting one for a university now and the software I use varies a lot.

The newer WYSIWYG editors support a variety of languages and write validated code – I don’t know why people still go on about FrontPage it was good in its day but is 10 years old and has now been replaced by Microsoft.

Here’s some editors that I know…

Adobe Dreamweaver – http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/
Microsoft SharePoint Developer – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointdesigner/FX100487631033.aspx – Made for SharePoint server technologies. I like using this editor.
Microsft Expression – http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/Overview.aspx?key=studio – Haven’t tried this yet but it looks good as it supports ASP and PHP

There are some nice free ones as well

NVU – http://www.net2.com/nvu/ has been been superceeded by KompoZer – http://kompozer.net/
Microsoft Visual Web Developeer 2008 – http://www.microsoft.com/express/vwd/ – this software is great, just like the other Express products. The only thing I found missing in it is a multi-line find and replace – only single line find and replace is available in this edition.

I still sometimes write code in Notepad but with so many good tools available now that’s more like the good old days of writing C or Basic programs without an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

John asks…

Is RapidWeaver a good web design software for Mac?

I’ve used Microsoft Web Expression in school and I know that it’s a pretty good design software, but my family is looking for a web design software to use at home and we have a Mac. Is RapidWeaver good?

admin answers:

For Mac, RapidWeaver is the excellent choice since the software is really intended for building websites with Mac PCs in mind. Also recommended for seasoned Web Developers.

Michael asks…

How to choose graphic/web design software?

Software is rather expensive and I would like to make an educated decision when buying software for graphic/web design, but I have no idea where to start. The only thing I know is that Adobe Illustrator is the standard for logo design. I would like to be able to design web sites, logos, letterheads, business cards, brochures, catalog, posters, and flyers. What type(s) of software should I be looking at? Any recommendations? Where should I look for more information?

admin answers:

I have spent alot of money on programs before. If you want programs that are worth every penny stick with Adobe Products.

PhotoShop – Outstanding image mainpulation

DreamWeaver – Easy to use Web Site Building

Flash – Build Flash animations to make your site look better. Or build a Flash Website.

You already know about Illustartor.

The best thing about having all of these programs is the bridge that connects all of these programs together.

When I first began creating websites I used the following programs.

PowerPoint – Graphic Design

Paint – Graphics Editing

Notepad – Web Site page creation.

Then from there I added Dreamweaver to replace Notepad, then Illustrator to replace Power Point, and then Photo Shop to replace Paint.

You can create a very nice website with Power Point, Paint, and Notepad, but the cost for the Adobe products are worth the hours saved complteing projects.

Chris asks…

Is there an e- commerce web design software for Macintosh?

Hi, I need to do some professional web designing for some e-commerce sites and am looking for a MAC based software package – like Dreamweaver, but that allows me to add e-commerce apps (paypal, shopping cart,..etc). I am not versed in JavaScript, PHP and the like because I am mainly a graphic designer. Can anyone help me please> Thanks you!

admin answers:

Tell you what… You need to learn a scripting language or you will have a very hard time making websites!!!