Editing Packages / Zend

I'm sure you're all gonna flame me for this, so i'll start by saying I've already read the FAQ, and although it's got some packages listed - there isn't an explanation of what is good and what isn't. I've also looked around at various posts on the forums - but the thing is, software is updated as frequently as these forums so there is always something new going about! With that in mind...

I started looking at Zend Studio, which looked amazing at first glance, but then I noticed you couldn't automatically send all test output straight to Internet Explorer (you can rightclick the debug window and send it, but can't automate it for every time).

So.....

Once again, can anyone recommend a good editor that doesn't insert lots of white spaces (such as Dreamweaver does) and that will allow scripts to be tested directly in Internet Explorer?

Don't flame me. I'm not lazy, I just dont think I've got all the info I need before I decide!!!

Moved to Development software from PHP forum

I was *pretty* sure that you could trigger an external browser through a quick key in Zend Studio, similar to F12 in Dreamweaver... I'm not @ my computer right now, so I'll have to double check that once I can get to Studio.

Zend Studio launches your current code into a browser by pressing CTLR + ALT + B

All key combinations are user-customizable in Zend Studio, meaning if you're a Dreamweaver nut who is used to hitting F12 to launch your code, you can reconfigure the Zend Studio to open your code by hitting F12.

Yeah, I see what you mean - but I think you have to use Zend Studio Server too, for real testing offline.

It's a shame there isn't a lite version of Zend for people who only want a good editor and basic functionality.

Well, the Studio Server and Studio Client are both included with the Studio purchase, which is only about $150.

You don't *have* to use the remote debugger. Its really only necessary to test scripts w/ database interaction, as the local debug doesn't connect w/ SQL. You can easily debug PHP apps in Studio w/o using the remote debugger, just hit 'run' - any error messages generated from your app will appear in the debug window.

I think if you just want a basic editor, there are already plenty of open source apps out there which provide that kind of funtionality - Eclipse, Crimson Editor, etc. I don't see a need for Zend to reinvent the wheel there... also, the Studio is the best PHP IDE on the market; I really think for Zend to introduce a freebie editor would be 'coming down' a level in quality, which would impact their marketing position. FWIW, none of the free (or commercial) alternatives to Studio provide anywhere near the kind of functionality that Studio gives you.

Really though, I can't imagine that $150 is really so much money that most PHP developers can't afford it. One freelance project and you've got the dough to spend on it.