Web Page and XHTML/HTML Editors For beginners starting a website, or starting XHTML/HTML (see note), choosing a suitable editor can be very confusing, as there are a lot to choose from. The first point of confusion is in understanding the difference between an XHTML/HTML editor and a Web Page Editor. An XHTML/HTML editor lets you create a web page by inserting XHTML/HTML tags. Whereas a web page editor lets you create a web page by simply typing in the text and and selecting the formatting from a toolbar. With a web page editor you don't normally see the XHTML/HTML tags unless you want to, whereas with the XHTML/HTML editor, you not only see them, you have to insert them yourself. Note: HTML is gradually moving to XHTML. A far as editors are concerned they will all be upgraded to support the XHTML standard or become obsolete (See XHTML explained for more details.). In choosing an editor you should always give preference to those that support the new standard. All of the major vendors have support for XHTML and CSS in their latest products however the level of support does vary and usually involves making preference changes. Also note that is this seems a little too techie for you don't worry just ignore the distinction as it doesn't really matter that much in practise anyway. You can always return to it at a later date. Using an XHTML/HTML editor In order to use an XHTML/HTML editor you need to understand XHTML/HTML (see starting HTML). I do not recommend this option for beginners except for those who want to practice coding XHTML/HTML and checking for correct XHTML/HTML formatting. There are many XHTML/HTML editors (mostly free) available for download on the Internet the ones I use and would recommend are: Even though it doesn't support XHTML I would recommend that Beginners start with Trellian Code Page. Web Page Editors The only web Page editors I recommend are WYSIWYG ( what you see is what you get) editors. These editors make creating a web page as easy as writing a letter. In order to use these editors you don't need any knowledge of XHTML/HTML. There are two types of editors ( my distinction) Web Page Editors like Trellian webpage and Web site editors like Microsoft FrontPage and Dreamweaver. Using A web Page Editor These editors are inexpensive (most free), easy to use, and incorporate most of the features of programs like FrontPage, but they only let you edit a single page at a time. Features like find and replace text over several web pages are not supported. If you rename a page you will manually have to change the links in other pages etc. These editors are highly suitable for beginners and for simple edits of singular web pages. As your website grows ( more than 20 pages) you will probably outgrow this type of editor. That said, this page is being prepared using one ( Trellian Webpage). Once finished I will copy and paste into FrontPage and complete the linking. The editor I previously recommended was Trellian WebPage which like Trellian Code page is available for free. However this editor doesn't currently support XHTML and CSS and so I only use this editor for quick edits of old pages and pages that I don't publish online. The free editor I currently recommend is NVu ( pronounced N-view). It is a complete open source Web Authoring System for Linux Desktop users as well as Microsoft Windows and Macintosh users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver. -Recommended download. Web Site Editors These programs are designed not just for making web pages but also for site management. They allow you to create site themes and to find and replace text across multiple web pages etc. They are much more powerful than the simple web page editors but are generally also more difficult to use for beginners. I would recommend you use a very basic WYSIWYG (What you see is what you Get) web page editor like NVu at the start and then progress to using a web site editor later as your web site expands. The editors that I have used and would recommend are: Get Your Web Editor for Free! Many Web hosting providers offer web editing software for free so if you haven't chosen your web hosting provider then it pays to shop around a bit. For UK visitors 1&1 uk are offering Microsoft FrontPage 2003 free with any Microsoft hosting package and NetObjects Fusion for any Linux hosting plan. For USA visitors 1&1 Web Hosting USA are offering NetObjects Fusion for any Linux hosting or Microsoft hosting package plan. Online Web Page Creation Many hosts offer on line graphical creation pages where you can create your web page using a browser. For the most part they are simple to use but they usually require a particular browser version. They come with professional templates and although it tends to be easier to create web pages ,changes, especially to multiple pages can be difficult. Generally they have page limitations, so are only suitable for small personal or hobby websites. The major exception to this however is the site Build-it package which is a complete web site building, management and promotion package. I personally use this package for one of my websites and would recommend you consider this, if your plan is to build an online business not just a web site. For more information see the site build-it section. Notes: I've used Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Trellian WebPage and NVU. With all editors I have had need at one time or another to edit the actual code. This isn't difficult and just requires understanding the basics. So if you haven't quite got round to it, I would urge you to take a look at starting HTML. Related Articles and resources:
I would only recommend this for experienced web designers or those who are going to be producing commercial web sites.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Web Page and XHTML/HTML Editors
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