Web Software ?

[Steven Vaccaro]

I am looking to build my own web page for my company. I want to build it my way. I am very new to researching this and looking for a direction to the right software. Several of the schools in the area teach Front Page, Coffee Cup and Dreamweaver. Do any one of these totally stand out from the others? Any input would be appreciated!
Steven Vaccaro

[AndyKunz]

Learn HTML and Java and then you won't need to use them!

Andy

[Steven Vaccaro]

I thought the software was the easier way around all the HTML typing. I know basic HTML and at the rate I type at, I will have to also right it in my after life! HAHA
Steven Vaccaro

[JimClark]

Dreamweaver is hands down the best and the only one you will find in the web design industry. They don't use Front Page. It would be good to learn HTML so you have a basic ubderstanding of it.
Jim Clark

[Steven Vaccaro]

Jim can I take HTML and a Dreamweaver class at the same time? Or should I take the HTML the Dreamweaver.
StevenVaccaro

[JimClark]

My guess would be to do the html first then Dreamweaver. But check with the instructor. They may very well cover HTML Basics in the Dreamweaver Class. There are some very good books out that teach HTML that use a lot of exercises and graphics instead of a lot of words. I presonally learn better by seeing and doing not by reading. I will list a couple of good ones I found for myself and my daughter.
1. Sam's Teach Yourself HTML 4 by Dick Oliver
2.Dreamweaver HOT ( Hands On Training) By Linda Weinman
I am sure there are more than that but those are what I chose and worked well. Also I really liked the Hands on training book by Linda Weinman I highly reccomend it.
Jim Clark

JIm Clark


Originally posted by Pagemaster
Jim can I take HTML and a Dreamweaver class at the same time? Or should I take the HTML the Dreamweaver.
StevenVaccaro

[Steven Vaccaro]

Thanks a lot Jim. What website have you created using Dreamweaver Jim?
I am searching for classes now. Dreamweaver is top on my list. I am going to look for the HTML book to get a head start.
StevenVaccaro

[JimClark]

The two links on the bottom of my posts and also i am helping on the new club site at www.classicthunder.org

Jim

Originally posted by Pagemaster
Thanks a lot Jim. What website have you created using Dreamweaver Jim?
I am searching for classes now. Dreamweaver is top on my list. I am going to look for the HTML book to get a head start.
StevenVaccaro

[avalentine]

For my work I use Dreamweaver UltraDev. Basically Dreamweaver with added functionality to build ASP, ColdFusion and JSP pages. Essentially Dynamic or Database driven websites.

There are other more advanced tools like ColdFusion studio among others but most of my time is spent within UltraDev.

If you think you may want to go in the direction of Dynamic webs in the future I would go the UltraDev route. If you think it will be a while before you want to do that sort of thing stick with Dreamweaver. I would push you away from FrontPage. It's a good tool to use in starting out with web development but it uses proprietary Frontpage extensions that can create a mess later on down the road and numerous headaches.

For training etc. I'd suggest a couple classes in basic\intermediate HTML so you get a grasp on the core language used to make the pages appear in your browser. Dreamweaver and other apps write the code for you, but they can't handle every last thing HTML can do. After the HTML class (or two) I'd take a Dreamweaver or Dreamweaver UltraDev course (if you go that route). They'll run you through some example web pages, basic dynamic stuff to get you started and you can get some nice books to take home for resource material.

Andy has a point about learning HTML and Java so you won't need the tools, but I'd offer this. A tool like Dreamweaver can dramaticly cut the time it takes to build a well designed website. Especially if you consider dynamic pages. Even creating basic dynamic pages can be simple to do in UltraDev. If you set it up to use ASP when it creates the pages, you stand a good chance of learning some javascript or vbscript along the way! Bonus... Still a very good idea to learn some core skills at the begining.

Personally I just learn much faster, and was up and running much quicker using an app like Dreamweaver. As I've progressed, if I need to I can manipulate the code manually as I see fit within Dreamweaver.

Added benifits of using Dreamweaver (and\or UltraDev) is that it will work hand in hand with Flash, Fireworks and other Macromedia products. Very helpful as you add tools to your toolbox...

[Steven Vaccaro]

Thanks a bunch for the info Andy Valentine. I am going to take Both the Andy's suggestions. Start out with HTML and then move on to Dreamweaver.
Steven Vaccaro