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It needs major revision. My usual tools include the Macromedia products (5 years using MM only), but due to constraints, I will be required to use Front Page.
I've got it in my head that I could create what I want in Dreamweaver using my personal outside resources and then edit (and allow the other authorized people) to edit using FrontPage.
Will FrontPage munge up the HTML badly? I have heard "things". I would prefer to use Dreamweaver, but our office and non-tech personnel have authority to input text to the website.
I know I will be using Dreamweaver to do a lot of work on my own time to circumvent this problem. My question is, will the use of Frontpage by other co-workers who are allowed to edit or change text articles mess up the HTML, scripts or style/function simply from the use of FrontPage?
I don't want to have any unpleasant surprises if I can possibly help it - or at least minimalize them.
Perhaps you could list any FP components you are using etc?
Is it the the URL in your profile? I notice it was made by FP, you can delete anything in the head that mentions FP, probably does you a psychological favour, because alot of people have a disliking to FP, mostly webmasters ;)
I've seen DW code that was a mess and I've seen FP code that was a mess. The main problem with FP are the proprietary functions that it offers, that's where the main issues are.
If you want the two programs to function similarly, you will need to set up your page preferences in advance so that neither program overwrites the other programs code.
Frames are going to be an issue if I'm not mistaken. DW and FP handle frames a little differently.
Any FP features that require the Server Extensions may present a problem in DW and vice versa. I haven't opened up my DW for over a year now and don't plan to so I'm not sure what those may be.
Since the majority of the sites I build are brochureware with added functionality through hand coding and .asp, I can't comment on any advanced functions that DW offers and FP does not.
I'll reiterate the page preferences issue as this will probably be the biggest factor in preventing a mish mash of code formatting. If the site was originally built in FP, then I would suggest you continue using FP unless you rebuild it in DW. Mixing the two styles of html formatting may cause problems.
The answer to your question is an astounding yes. Unless you change the page preferences for each of those copies of FP, there will be major problems. You'll end up with so much code bloat, that you'll probably want to scrap DW and stick with FP. Once someone starts using FP and understands it positives and negatives, it will be very difficult to get them to switch.
On top of that, the FP interface is much simpler than DW and allows beginners the freedom to do as they wish. That is where the problem comes in. I made the mistake years ago of allowing a client access to a site I built with my preferences, only to have them overwrite all of the code with their preferences, that was a mess!
My advice would be to just use Frontpage. Its not as bad as some folk make out, and unless you can control your co-workers (unlikely), they will find a way to highlight every possible incompatibility just before a crucial deadline.
4eyes brings up one of the biggest issues with FP, Themes! I hate them with a passion. The code that is generated by MS Themes is an absolute nightmare. You can achieve the same effects by using the FP Includes and CSS while elminating 70% of the code that themes generate.
My feeling is there should be some sort of shocking device in FP so that when beginners access something that will cause problems, they get a slight jolt (stun gun voltage) which will hopefully prevent them from trying it again!
I have long list of other web related crimes for which it is also suitable.
don't get me going...
Ahhhh... the elegance and power (to the author!) of a good HTML editor!
Take the time to learn FP if that is what the "team" uses. It will add to your skillset (and eventual desire to move to an HTML editor).
On a personal note, I recall the same "worries" back in the day when I relied on FP98, and then moved over to DW2 and up to DW3. It was not long before I moved up to an HTML editor (Homesite 4/4.52/5).
I never felt comfortable "relinquishing" so much control to a WYSIWYG editor. Before long, the "convenience" became a hindrance; both in production and in "learning."
I downloaded DWMX to take a look... Still too much "helpful clutter" for my tastes. I'll delete it later today.
Hey papabaer, stick to the CSS! ;) (just kidding)
I'd like to point out that FP is an excellent HTML editor, that's what gives it power. If you know how to use the program, you can do anything you want! I can only speak for myself in this case since I've only used mainly FP from the first day I started, sheesh, I think it was FP 1.0 at the time and then came FP97.
It all comes down to the user and their understanding of html. If you know the basics of html, FP is an excellent tool. If you don't know the basics of html, any WYSIWYG editor or HTML editor for that matter will be a problem.
FP was designed to appeal to the masses, not necessarily hard core html development. But, it has the power and functions to easily work in the hard core arena.
The biggest and most important step for me was learning how to set up the page preferences. That is where you can make or break your web!
What works for you IS what works for you! That is all that matters.
I would like to suggest however, that on a whim... those of you using WSIWYG's download a copy of HS5 or another high-end HTML editor and see how they work. You might be surprised at the level of functionality... at user level.
I was surprised (at first) at how similar to a WSIWYG a good HTML editor is... With the BROWSE tab, or split screen, I can "see" my code come to life.
I don't carry much weight around here - since this is my 3rd day :) I will learn Front Page and how to be very functional with it - although I perceive this to be a temporary situation.
I hand-code quite a bit and use ProgrammerEditor (free download on download.com - I believe) as the external editor as the default HTML editor with Dreamweaver.
Perhaps my first real request should be that all updates be forwarded to me to administer......Seems like it should be that way anyway. Since I'm the first in-house dedicated webmaster, these things haven't been ironed out yet.
Page1Results, I've seen several sites that were pleasing to the eye and very functional that were created with FP. Didn't mean to make FP come off in a bad light. My focus was on determining if the use of FP by other people doing simple text updates would munge the code IF I were to create the new design with or by some other method of generation.
Thanks again everyone - and hello SEOFAN.
I totally agree with FP is a powerful tool i have used it seen 97 and dont have any major problem with it i have never used the ftp in the frontpage just the other ftp
I have made my site with both DW and FP and Fireworks and no problems
Most of the user who is using FP will learn that program very fast is simple and it is very powerful i use it everyday and i will continue to. The code people say its a mess i dont have that problem or maybe iam but dont know it yet
/Ove
I've had terrible luck with it. It has a tendancy of crashing my computer. Among a few things!
Things that require the FP extensions (or is badly constructed HTML by FP) will be evident when published
/added
I assume it is a windows server you are running this site from
