Choosing a Code Editor

There are three primary categories of editors you can use to write HTML, XHTML,
XML, CSS, and JavaScript (as well as any other ASCII-based languages).
ASCII text editors. These editors have very few features beyond
word-wrap and save, but if you know your code, they can be excellent for
quick fixes or even full jobs.
Commercial code editors. These editors are ASCII editors with power
tools, such as wizards, to help you add images. They are my personal
favorite for most of the work I do with HTML, XHTML, and CSS.
Commercial visual editing packages. These are full-service Web design
software applications that include some means for the designer to work
visually without worrying about the code being generated.
Table 1-2 shows some of the primary products within each category type along
with platform and features.
So how do you make the best choice? The secret is to have at least one of each
type available. You’ll find yourself using a combination of tools for most jobs.
My dream team editing toolboxes are as follows.




ASCII text editor for
UNIX, OS X, Linux,
VMS
Native to most UNIX systems; free
Emacs ASCII text editor for
UNIX, Linux, OS X,
VMS and even
Windows
Open-source, www.gnu.org/
software/emacs/emacs.html.
Notepad ASCII text editor for
Windows
Native to Windows systems; free
SimpleText ASCII text editor for
Macintosh (pre OS X)
Native to Macintosh prior to OS X; free
TextEdit ASCII text editor for
OS X
Native to OS X; free
Homesite Windows-based
HTML editor with
support for a number
of ASCII-based
languages
Very popular with many professional
designers on the Windows platform.
Fee-based, but there’s a 30-day full trial
version to try before you buy, www
.macromedia.com/software/
homesite/
BBEdit Macintosh-based
HTML editor with
support for numerous
ASCII-based
languages
Very popular with many professionals on
the Mac platform. Fee-based, but with a
try-before-you-buy demo, www.
barebones.com/products/
bbedit/index.shtml
Adobe GoLive
CS
Visual editor for
Macintosh and
Windows
Popular with some professionals; has
improved greatly but still generates some
problematic and proprietary markup.
Fee-based, free demo
Macromedia
Dreamweaver
MX 2004
Visual editor for
Macintosh and
Windows
Popular with many Web design
professionals, has very good standards
support and integrates well with
application technologies such as
ColdFusion, JSP, and so forth. Fee-based,
free demo
Microsoft
FrontPage
2003
Visual editor for
Windows
In widespread use due to the proliferation
of Office in many organizations. Biggest
appeal is its ease of use for nondesigners.
Has some nice features including good
support for CSS, but is typically not
recommended for the Web design
professional unless he or she is also
educated in markup and CSS