Web Development & Design Software Compared

Many different options exist for computer users wanting a software product they can use to design webpages with. Here are some of the most popular choices...

Text Editors: Programs designed to edit plain text (like Notepad) can be used to type and save pure HTML web page code. This option requires you to know HTML code, and is more time-consuming than automated methods. However, it is the cheapest, has the lowest system requirements, and gives you the most control over the website's appearance and function. HTML code created by automatic programs like FrontPage also isn't always as efficient/compact as code entered by a human.

FrontPage: One of the most well-known web development programs is FrontPage, formerly part of the Microsoft Office application suite. It allows users to design complex webpages without knowledge of HTML. It was discontinued in 2006. FrontPage 2003 can be ordered from Microsoft for $199 (or $109 for an upgrade). The system requirements are somewhat high, requiring Windows 2000/SP3 or XP, a 233MHz or faster processor, 128MB of memory (RAM), and a 800x600 or higher screen resolution. FrontPage 2000 may be preferable for users with older computers, as it has lower memory requirements, only needs a 75MHz or faster processor, and can be used with Windows 95 or later. Older versions of FrontPage can be purchased at relatively inexpensive prices on eBay.com.

DreamWeaver: A web development program offered by Adobe Systems. Like FrontPage, it has many sophisticated features. According to Adobe's website, it "enables users to efficiently design, develop and maintain standards-based websites and applications." However, it is expensive ($399 to buy, $199 to upgrade), and has high system requirements. The requirements include Windows 2000 or XP, 800MHz or faster processor, 256MB or more memory (RAM), and a 1024x768 or higher screen resolution. Different requirements apply to Apple Macintosh computers. DreamWeaver is also available as part of Adobe's Studio 8 software package, which includes three other programs and costs $999 or $399 for an upgrade.