What's the "best" webdesign software & why?

Hi

I'm thinking of buying a new web authoring software package.

Just wondering what up-to-date software people would recommend?

Cheers
Sol

PS: Using Dreamweaver MX 2004 at present.

Dreamweaver is a good program to use, as long you don't use the WYSIWYG part of it.

any special features you need to be able to do?

Expression Web is fantastic as well. I have been using it for probably over 6 months. I am amazed at the most simple websites that I can create in XHTML compliant code without me having to change anything

Depends on how much you're willing to spend and what you want to do with it. I've always found Microsoft Frontpage fine for my webpage needs because all I do is import the sliced PSD into it and then modify the tables and stuff and it's all ready for me.

If you want to build a website from scratch and stuff, core coding and then implementation of graphics, then that's a completely different thing if you're not into Photoshop and other such graphic editing software. You have a variety of options ranging from AceHTML to Macromedia Dreamweaver.

I used to use Namo WebEditor when I needed something like that, because I was never into hard coding of webpages when I used to use this software. I would however recommend Dreamweaver if you code a lot because it has the syntax coloring for a number of languages and that helps out a lot. CSS and stuff is a breeze with it. I guess it's quite all right in the new version of Namo as well.

Survey the market, see what you need and then ask us about a particular software is what I would suggest. Or just tell us what all you require the software to do for you.

Photoshop + jEdit + Filezilla

It's simple, does what I want, I have full control over everything, and it just works.

Dork is after my own heart.

I use Photoshop CS3 + PHP Expert Editor + Filezilla.

Also, whoever mentioned Microsoft Frontpage that's not a fix ever. Just no. Also don't mention anything like Adobe Golive or any other crap like that. It's just not good for your health.

haha,
Chad

I traditionally hand coded with a HTML editor--I have started a new job, their workflow incorporates dreamweaver--I have forced myself to learn dreamweaver and I have to say, I like it.

I feel like I have an assistant working for me, the way dreamweaver manages the sites files and even FTP access is awesome, whenever I want to add a new CSS class I just choose ..add new CSS.. then I get a nice dialogue where I can fill in all of the details for that class, without having to type out all the properties. I like this feature. The code editor is highly efficient too.

I am in danger of becoming lazy.

Defainately Dreamweaver is a good choice over others .

Well it all depends on how much you know of the code. If you know a lot then you might be frustrated with how DreamWeaver wants to put in a bunch of useless code that just makes your files really big. If you know what you are doing you can get something like PHP Expert Editor or JEdit and make the code handcrafted and small.

It just all depends on how much you want it to hold your hand. I think that your statement "... is a good choice over others ." is stretching a lot. Above Notepad ... yes, above Zend Studio no.

Chad

Hi

I too am looking for a web design software.

I would like something simple that I can use to design pages and upload. The only other requirement I would have is to be able to create password protected pages. Like when you click on a link, a box pops up and says "username" and "password". Other than that I don't require anything fancy.

Free will be nice but I am happy to pay a small sum too.

I will be using my macbook so it has to have a mac version.

Many thanks.

to protect a directory
all you should need are .htaccess and .htpasswd files (simple text files)

Unless you are using a Micro$oft windows server.
Then you have to create user accounts and set the permissions for each user.

I use to love dreamweaver until I began learning more about coding, now I am hooked on EditPlus.

Simple and clean software with lots of options.