What is your opinion? (WYSIWYG Programs)

Cain · 02-14-2008, 03:18 PM

In your opinion, what do you think of "What you see is what you get" programs. I sometimes see it as cheap sometimes, because you aren't really learning the code by just dragging and dropping things around.

Thats just my opinion, lets hear yours!

chris · 02-14-2008, 05:36 PM

Well it is much easier for newer people and people who don't have the time or the need for the knowledge of coding and such. basically, it depends on what you want and need.

~chris

Aarlev · 02-15-2008, 05:40 AM

Yeah, as Chris said it depends on what you need. If you're just doing a site for your uncles kennel club, a WYSIWYG editor will probably suffice. On the other hand, if you're serious about web design or want to be a professional web designer you will need to learn CSS/XHTML.

The problem with some WYSIWYG editors is that they sometimes generate unwanted code, and if you're having trouble with your code you wont be able to locate the error as easily without knowledge of HTML/CSS.

Distill · 02-15-2008, 11:08 AM

I think it depends what you're using it for.

Obviously if my focus is web design and I'm looking to offer and master every bell and whistle, then I'm going to want to have an intimate knowledge of coding.

If I'm doing mostly print/identity work and my client is looking for a simplistic but polished and well-put-together custom site, I think Dreamweaver and the like are a great way to go. (I should note that DW is the only WYSIWYG app I've used . . . can't speak for others)

As with anything, there are masters and purists (which are very much needed in a lot of situations). But most of the time, as an independent working with smaller clients, Dreamweaver does the job above and beyond their needs/expectations.

Having said that, I think knowing how to code is a definite advantage when using Dreamweaver (or other WYSIWYG apps)--if only to understand how the elements are fitting together/organized, how to fix little bugs, etc.

I would think DW is a faster creative process, too . . . can anyone who's worked both ways comment on that?

Aarlev · 02-26-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distill

I would think DW is a faster creative process, too . . . can anyone who's worked both ways comment on that?

When I started out with Web design I used DW and I don't think it's faster at all. After learning CSS/XHTML I never touched the program again and never will. I find it much faster and easier to hand code everything, especially when you've done a large amount of sites and have a lot of code you can re-use. You can have 20 completely different sites with the exact same HTML markup but just change the CSS a little.

MediaMisfit · 02-27-2008, 04:11 PM

If your going to be a webdesigner I think you should at least know how to build a wireframe structure in CSS or HTML. If you don't then your going to be more dependent on your developer for simple things which could strain the relationship.

theafroguy · 03-14-2008, 05:17 AM

The problem with most WYSIWYG apps is that they rely on tables, rather than CSS, for structure - which can be problematic since some browsers can render tables differently.

02-14-2008, 03:18 PM	#1
Cain Designer Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 45	What is your opinion? (WYSIWYG Programs) In your opinion, what do you think of "What you see is what you get" programs. I sometimes see it as cheap sometimes, because you aren't really learning the code by just dragging and dropping things around. Thats just my opinion, lets hear yours!

02-14-2008, 05:36 PM	#2
chris Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 330	Well it is much easier for newer people and people who don't have the time or the need for the knowledge of coding and such. basically, it depends on what you want and need. ~chris __________________ DiP - Designer in Progress :-) Check out my free blog

02-15-2008, 05:40 AM	#3
Aarlev Bill Bailey for President Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: London Posts: 279	Yeah, as Chris said it depends on what you need. If you're just doing a site for your uncles kennel club, a WYSIWYG editor will probably suffice. On the other hand, if you're serious about web design or want to be a professional web designer you will need to learn CSS/XHTML. The problem with some WYSIWYG editors is that they sometimes generate unwanted code, and if you're having trouble with your code you wont be able to locate the error as easily without knowledge of HTML/CSS. __________________ *"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"*

02-15-2008, 11:08 AM	#4
Distill Designer/Copywriter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: DePere, WI Posts: 84	I think it depends what you're using it for. Obviously if my focus is web design and I'm looking to offer and master every bell and whistle, then I'm going to want to have an intimate knowledge of coding. If I'm doing mostly print/identity work and my client is looking for a simplistic but polished and well-put-together custom site, I think Dreamweaver and the like are a great way to go. (I should note that DW is the only WYSIWYG app I've used . . . can't speak for others) As with anything, there are masters and purists (which are very much needed in a lot of situations). But most of the time, as an independent working with smaller clients, Dreamweaver does the job above and beyond their needs/expectations. Having said that, I think knowing how to code is a definite advantage when using Dreamweaver (or other WYSIWYG apps)--if only to understand how the elements are fitting together/organized, how to fix little bugs, etc. I would think DW is a faster creative process, too . . . can anyone who's worked both ways comment on that? __________________ Brand Consultant, Designer, Copywriter . . . All-around Good Guy my blog \| my site

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02-27-2008, 04:11 PM	#6
MediaMisfit Designer Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 70	If your going to be a webdesigner I think you should at least know how to build a wireframe structure in CSS or HTML. If you don't then your going to be more dependent on your developer for simple things which could strain the relationship.

03-14-2008, 05:17 AM	#7
theafroguy Designer Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 26	The problem with most WYSIWYG apps is that they rely on tables, rather than CSS, for structure - which can be problematic since some browsers can render tables differently.