Dreamweaver MX Makes Hand Coding a Thing of the Past
Written: Apr 17 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Amazing improvements, perfect interface, easy to use...
Cons: Need a decent computer and a decent monitor...
The Bottom Line: Worth the minimal time and money to get to know this program. No better WYSIWYG programs are on the market. Hands down, a must-have.
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| lambchops's Full Review: Adobe Dreamweaver MX Full Version Academic / Educa... |
Not only is web design a hobby, it also constitutes much of my real world job function. Years ago (okay, a few years ago, specifically 1996/1997) I began designing pages. In the beginning my concepts were pretty sparse. I learned by myself, viewing source, and learning what function the many HTML tags serve. But as with all things that develop and change, I turned to a different way of doing things beginning in 2000.
My early experience with Dreamweaver 2.0 was basically as a glorified text editor. I wasn’t at all comfortable with the idea of actually seeing what I was doing at the same time I was designing. Soon I ventured to Dreamweaver 3.0 and grew increasingly comfortable with WYSIWYG design. I liked having the option of using the graphical shortcuts while still having the ability to easily alter the code when the need arose.
In mid-2001 I got my first “real world” job as a Computer Systems Specialist II at a very large, extremely well known state University. I made two requests upon hiring in. I wanted Adobe Photoshop 6.0 and Macromedia Dreamweaver 4.0. So for the past year and a half or so, I’ve spent my time honing my WYSIWYG design skills. I found that program to be very flexible, functional, and relatively easy to use. Not to mention the fact that 4.0 supported CSS, one of my newer discoveries in design.
Anyway, I was having some major compatibility issues with 4.0 and Windows XP Professional and as a result I asked for Dreamweaver MX (educational edition, I work for a University remember). Of course, as with all other things I request, my wish was granted within just a day or two. I didn’t know what to expect, but had heard that it was a relatively big improvement over previous editions. So I had high hopes, and have for the most part been pleased with the program.
Dreamweaver MX installed as seamlessly as I’ve come to expect from Macromedia products. There were no quirks, no strange things happened. In fact, the program has installed perfectly on two computers…one with XP Home and one with XP Professional. Unlike 4.0, I’ve had zero problems with the program locking my system up (especially when editing tables) and as such it made a good first impression. But there is much more to this newest edition (it hit the streets in 2002) than just simple compatibility upgrades.
…:::Interface:::…
The first thing users will most certainly see as a difference with MX is that it has a revamped interface. This isn’t to say that it has to be different than earlier versions. In fact, users can choose to view the program in the classic view very much similar to 4.0.
Dreamweaver MX packs a lot of information on the screen. This is certainly beneficial to people lucky enough to have large monitors. But if you’re still stuck in the dark ages on a 15” viewable then it is probably best to stick to the old fashioned view unless you want a workspace not much larger than most pop-up ads. I personally enjoy having everything easily within clicking distance.
In addition to the usual taskbar options (file, edit, view, insert, etc…), there is a tabular navigation bar showing many of the oft-used objects and options ranging from text to forms to tables and to frames. There is of course much more to be had, but that is for the user to discover. If you dislike this easy to click tab navigation bar, just right lick and it is easy to close the panel.
The usually distracting “properties” box has been altered and fixed to the bottom of the workspace. So rather than dealing with continually shifting the box, it is in a predictable, easy, and convenient place.
Finally, down the right side Macromedia engineers fixed a whole bunch more options. Design, code, application, and files are all included. This makes FTP-ing to your remote site a simple and easy process. Rather than opening in another window, the list is mounted clearly on the right. And again, as with the tab panel, this panel group can be adjusted to fit your style be it changed or completely gone.
…:::Ease of Use:::…
One of the major issues with determining whether or not a program is useful for your purposes is considering the usability. Once finished setting up the workspace as it best fits your style, Dreamweaver MX is incredibly easy. Though, I have to qualify that by saying that it is probably simpler to users already acquainted with earlier versions. But with the expected toolbar, buttons, tabs, and the like even newer designers should be able to function at some level.
With the code and WYSIWYG both within view, I find that it is exceptionally easy to edit HTML where need be. An improvement over 4.0 is clearly in the recognition of mini and script coding like the aforementioned CSS. In 4.0, most CSS was not visible in the workspace. It was necessary to preview your work to actually see how things were going to look in the end. MX on the other hand shows most (if not all) CSS on the workspace thus cutting down the need to constantly preview.
…:::Supported Technologies:::….
The breadth of scripting supported by MX is amazing. In fact, Macromedia has been kind enough to integrate all functionality of the now essentially defunct Homesite. It has built in JavaScript, XML, CSS, ASP, ColdFusion, PHP, and so much more. This makes MX a must-have tool for even the most advanced designers not just specializing in the beautiful, but also the functional and database end.
As mentioned FTP remote updating has also been significantly improved. Whereas in the old version it was actually a bit of a chore and actually incredibly annoying to get to your site, MX has simplified the process to the point that even the not FTP savvy should be able to figure the process out. And what makes it even simpler is that Macromedia has included an incredible learning system including tutorials and an amazing glossary. MX is simply put a fully functional WYSIWYG program unlike anything ever on the market.
There is of course much more that Dreamweaver MX is capable of doing. It is powerful, flexible, and in the end even fun.
…:::System Requirements:::…
· Pentium II 300 MHz or faster processor
· Microsoft Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, or XP
· 96 MB RAM (128 MB recommended)
· 275 MB hard disk space
· CD-ROM drive
· 256-color display with 800 x 600 resolution
· Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer 4.0 or later
Officially the above are required. But as mentioned it is important to have a screen with higher than 800 x 600 resolution. Not just that, but a PII 300 would likely prove frustrating. I suggest running MX on at least a 500, a requirement that in this day and age should be asking for much. And with that, it is certainly necessary to have a decent amount of RAM. I’m sure that 96MB is fine, but as with all other computer things, the more the better. MX runs seamlessly on my 256MB and 512MB systems.
I cannot comment on the compatibility with anything other than 2000 and XP. Though, if it is anything like earlier versions of Dreamweaver there should also be no issues on 98. I cannot comment on ME as I have yet to see an ME computer that runs well so therefore I somehow doubt that any program running on said computer will run without trouble.
…:::Conclusions:::…
Considering the price tag of less than $100 for the educational edition, it is impossible not to recommend Dreamweaver MX to all designers. It blows all other WYSIWYG programs out of the water. Forget Microsoft FrontPage (heck, I forgot that one back in 1998), Adobe GoLive, or whatever other strange program you are using. MX is where it is at.
Great compatibility, functionality, usability, and in the end value make it a necessary thing for all designers. Seriously. Even you archaic hand coders out there should check this out, hand coding is supported (and sometimes still necessary) yet the ability to see your work is priceless.
You don’t know what you are missing out on.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lambchops
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Member: Shelly T.
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
Reviews written: 1172
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Bye-bye CL hat. Hopefully I'll write some new reviews some time soon!
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