Before You Buy an HTML Editor

"What You See Is What You Get" HTML editors are very easy to use. Most novices start out with a WYSIWYG editor because you can get a new Web page up quickly. But while WYSIWYG editors offer more design flexibility, they don't result in pages that are better looking - Designers can create beautiful pages with Notepad as easily as with Dreamweaver. The biggest advantage that these editors have is that you don't need to know HTML to put up a Web page.

This is the type of editor I use every day. I use HomeSite for big jobs and vi for small edits. Text editors provide a lot of control and speed for Web Developers. A Developer who understands HTML can often edit Web pages much more quickly using a text editor than another developer can using WYSIWYG. If you're planning on doing Web Development professionally, hiring managers want employees who know HTML.

Most Developers have a decided opinion about whether to use a WYSIWYG editor or a text editor. I prefer text editors, and only use WYSIWYG editors when pressed. Text editors are usually faster to edit HTML changes, and they don't add in unexpected tags. WYSIWYG editors are usually easier to use and don't require a knowledge of HTML. I also like text editors because they can easily support new formats like XML.

If you're looking for an HTML editor that is a little easier on the pocketbook, there are some good ones available, in both WYSIWYG and text editor flavors. These editors are fully functional and offer many of the same benefits as their more costly cousins.

Other things to think about when you're looking for an HTML editor are:

• Does it include a validator?
• Does it support XML, JSP, PHP, and other languages besides XHTML?
• Can you extend it with add-ins or extra functionality?
• Is there a large user-base to get help?
• Are there support pages or help available from the publisher?