Frontpage question

[katolb90]

Does anyone use Frontpage anymore? I've heard that's the only thing available at my worksite

What limitations does it have compared with newer windows development software?

Are there any windows development tools out there that come with a set of templates to choose from to create screens. I would like to have a set of screens that all have the same color theme, borders, button style, fonts etc although the functionality would vary from screen to screen.

As you can probably tell, I am fairly new to web/windows development and need to find a suitable tool for my use.

Kellie

[KDLA]

Well, FrontPage is being phased out by Microsoft. Instead, they're touting their new software, Expressions Web: http://www.microsoft.com/expression/products/overview.aspx?key=web
I doubt FrontPage will ever go away, however you might find it difficult to find up-to-date support and/or tutorials as time goes on.

As to your inquiry about "screens," I'm not sure what you are referring to -- do you mean the user-interface with regard to the web editing program, or the webpage output created by you and/or the program?

KDLA

[Corey Bryant]

If you are going to be getting into web development, I would strongly recommend Expression Web. Frontpage Server Extensions are not being supported right now and it is still debatable on whether or not they might come back. FPSE helped users create websites without knowing any code.

Expression Web relies on people knowing more code but it helps to create compliant code. You can use CSS / a DWT to create themes and apply that to a website.

[KDLA]

(DWT is a Dreamweaver Template -- don't think you meant that! ;))

[katolb90]

When I used the term 'screens' I was refering both to the window in which the user enters information and the windows that can be displayed back to the user (like a menu or report, or user news).

I'm not sure of the chances of being able to purchase new software like Expression Web. I'm almost afraid to ask. I work independently and support a group of analysts in my department. I talked with a programmer in another area who does some asp coding and he said he mostly uses notepad to create code. I'm accustomed working in an environment where all these software and design decisions have already been made and all I have to do is program.

[tracknut]

Well you can certainly use FrontPage, it just won't have the most current features. Avoid the server extensions, of course. But you can use it to edit HTML and CSS, and to bounce back and forth between code and final output views (though I would recommend just using a browser for that).

"All I have to do is program" - I like that :)

Dave

[Corey Bryant]

DWT also means Dynamic Web Template which Expression Web and Frontpage uses. The extension is saved as a dwt

[darwin212]

Well, I'm going to start using front page 2003 for my website at tripod.lycos but that one isn't mine. :/ My website is still being worked on and I need front page 2003 to work faster and more better. And is dream weaver the same thing??? Because On front page 2003 it does the coding for you.

[KDLA]

Dreamweaver is also a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor. It's an Adobe/Macromedia product.

Best thing is to learn CODE, then you can use whatever product you want. ;)

[katolb90]

"All I have to do is program" I didn't mean to imply that web coding is easy. As a matter of fact I know it is going to be difficult especially since I am rusty and I never knew web coding that well to begin with. I'm hoping that once I get started it won't be too bad. It will be a slow go, but I'm sure I can make progress. Its a pretty small system and fortunately, I don't have a deadline and the project is pretty much optional.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is server extensions?

"it won't have the most current features" What features does Front Page not have?

Kellie

[KDLA]

Server extensions are certain .dll files installed on your web server which process your email forms and/or do other special functions for you. (Otherwise, you have to program those server-side behaviors yourself.)

As to "current features" -- that can refer to certain pre-made special effects like drop-down menus or other dynamic elements within the program's templates. Frontpage has quite a few, but as technology develops and coding (and browsers) becomes more sophisticated, FP's dynamic elements might look clunky or dated compared to those available in a newer program. It just depends on how snazzy you want your website to look, if relying solely upon the web editor to create those effects for you. :D

KDLA

[tracknut]

"it won't have the most current features" What features does Front Page not have?


The "current features" I was referring to include better ability to manage CSS, better code views, cleaner integration with other non-ie browsers, context-sensitive help, etc. Expressions has some good stuff, but certainly there's nothing keeping you from building great web sites with FP 2003.

Dave