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Although the best way to learn HTML is to use a basic text editor, such as NotePad, it can be
very time consuming to create pages that way.
If you've already learned the basics of HTML, moving on to using an HTML editor can make the job
much easier.
By "HTML editor" I mean an editor that actually lets you enter HTML directly into the document,
lending a helping hand along the way. FrontPage doesn't really fall into this category as it
is based heavily on the WYSIWYG editor.
If you have the funds, I would suggest that you take a close look at Macromedia Dreamweaver or
SoftQuad HoTMetaL PRO, both of which can make repetitive tasks much quicker and easier.
If you are on a tight budget, Evrsoft 1st Page 2000 or Arachnoid Arachnophilia are worth more
than a passing glance.
You can often find full versions of older commercial software on the front cover of computer
magazines. I've seen full versions of both Macromedia Dreamweaver (1.2) and SoftQuad HoTMetaL
PRO (4.0) on magazine covers in the past.
You can also find some quite capable shareware and freeware editors at www.nonags.com and spaceports.tucows.com (including 1st Page 2000 and
Arachnophilia).
Before rushing off and filling your hard drive with more editors than you're ever likely to
need, ask yourself the following questions:-
- How much help do I need?
- Do I need a WYSIWYG editor?
- Will I need template options?
- Will I be using CGI, SSI or PHP?
- Will code library options help me avoid using SSI?
- Do I need an HTML validator included?
If you have any special needs, please take them into consideration when choosing your
editor. Learning how to use a new piece of software can take quite some time. If you
rush into this, you might find that you have to change editors again partway through.
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