Webpages are written in a computer language called Hypertext Markup Language, or HTML. A webpage is actually an HTML file containing code that specifies the text content and graphical layout of the page.
You can create HTML files on your computer using a text editor or word processor to write the HTML code. But don't worry - you don't need to know HTML to be able to create pages. You can instead use a webpage editing program, such as Netscape Composer, Macromedia Contribute, or Macromedia Dreamweaver. These programs let you design your pages visually, and automatically create the underlying HTML code for you.
The sections below describe the advantages and disadvantages of each program:
Netscape Composer
Macromedia Contribute
Macromedia Dreamweaver
Netscape Composer
Advantages:
- Bundled with version 7.0 of the Netscape Navigator browser. You can download a free copy of this version directly from the Smith software site: http://www.smith.edu/its/smithsoftware/
- Has familiar Word-like interface, so relatively easy to learn and use.
- Incorporates tabs for easy switching between layout, source, and preview modes.
Disadvantages:
- Page editor only; doesn't provide site-wide overview or management.
- Can't be used to edit pages that include PHP code.
- Preview mode doesn't support testing of links.
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Macromedia Contribute
Advantages:
- Familiar Word-like interface, so relatively easy to learn and use.
- Can be used to edit pages that include PHP code.
- Protects "locked" areas in pages created using Dreamweaver templates.
- Allows a designated site administrator to control which pages other users can edit.
- Free to staff and faculty through Smith's Macromedia site license. Contact Donna Schnopp to request a copy.
Disadvantages:
- Page editor only; doesn't provide site-wide overview or management.
- No access to source code.
- Cannot be used to edit or create interactive components such as drop-down lists, automatic page updates, etc.
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Macromedia Dreamweaver
Advantages:
- Full-featured page editor, can be used to edit any webpage.
- Provides full site management capabilities.
- Sitewide file renaming, sitewide find-and-replace.
- Supports use of template pages for efficient development of multi-page websites, ease of sitewide maintenance.
- Tabs for easy switching between layout, source, and preview modes.
- Concurrent view of source code in layout mode.
- Useful synergy with other Macromedia products, such as Contribute, Flash, and Fireworks.
- Free to staff and faculty through Smith's Macromedia site license. Contact Donna Schnopp to request a copy. Dreamweaver is also installed on all computers in the student computer centers.
Disadvantages:
- More complex interface, so requires more learning time.
- Doesn't protect "locked" areas in pages created using GoLive components.