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Web Publishing Overview. Adam Cavotta and Christine L. Vucinich ITS Training Services http://its.psu.edu/training/. Objectives. Examine the difference between using an HTML editor and hand coding Web pages
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Web Publishing Overview Adam Cavotta and Christine L. Vucinich ITS Training Services http://its.psu.edu/training/
Objectives • Examine the difference between using an HTML editor and hand coding Web pages • Learn about Dreamweaver, FrontPage, GoLive, Flash, Contribute, and the Web editing features of ANGEL • Discuss specific features/problems with each system for Penn State use • Learn about Fireworks, Photoshop and ImageReady
Getting Started with Web Pages • Penn State eportfolio: http://eportfolio.psu.edu/ • Applying for WebSpace https://www.work.psu.edu/webspace/ • 1-1 Help Provided by University Learning Centers • http://www.ulc.psu.edu/
Basic Web Page Creation • Two Options • Hand coding of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) • HTML Editor, usually “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG)
Hand Coding - Pros • Provides greater control of the finite aspects of a Web page • Usually needed to make a more complex Web page cross platform / cross browser compatible • Allows for good HTML formatting • You don’t have to rely on specific software—can use any text editor!
Hand Coding - Cons • Must have knowledge of HTML and file structure • Must be comfortable hand coding • Easy to make typing mistakes • Often much slower development time
HTML Editors • What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) • Examples: Netscape Composer, Microsoft FrontPage, Adobe GoLive, Macromedia Dreamweaver • Two most commonly used HTML editors: • Dreamweaver • FrontPage
HTML Editor - Pros • Quick development time • Little knowledge of HTML needed for basic pages • Works much like any popular word processor • Controls file structure within the program
HTML Editor - Cons • May have browser bias especially for complex pages • Many still not well accomplished at writing dynamic pages • Some programs (like Dreamweaver, FrontPage, GoLive have site management features) others are only page editors.
Knowing HTML • You should try to know some HTML no matter what you do..find some good online references and keep up to date! • Provides an understanding of the HTML structure, should something ever need to be tweaked • Makes designing good, usable Web pages easier, even if you use an HTML Editor • You can learn how to code HTML while working with an editor
Stick With One HTML Editor • Which ever program you decide to use, stick with it • If you work in a group, try to use the same editor • In group settings, most HTML editors have features that make working together easier if you use the same program • File sharing/locking • Design notes, revision control • File manipulation (move, delete, rename) is done inside of the program • Does your department support/prefer you to use one program over the other? • Do you already have the software or do you need to order it? • Some programs add more “junk” than others and could begin to get in your way
Using Netscape/Mozilla Composer as your Web Page Editor
Advantages • Its easy to make HTML based documents—works like a word processor. • Can access it right from the Netscape Web browser. • Includes HTML code validation utility • Can be used to debug JavaScript • Spell checking feature. • Image importer converts images into a Web format automatically. • You can show all tags, look at HTML source or preview any one page. • It is free!
Disadvantages • It has a publishing feature but does not allow you to see remote and local copy. • Not a site management system. You would need to keep track off all of your pages, links, images, etc. • Help is the same help for Netscape so you have to sort through the information. • You have to open page in Composer. (Previous versions would allow you to browse for a page, edit, then publish).
Using Microsoft FrontPage as your Web Site Editor
Advantages • WYSIWYG editor with similar Toolbars/Interface to other Microsoft Programs • Easily Preview how your Web Site looks in Internet Explorer • Collection of Themes, Templates, Wizards, and Clip Art (like other Microsoft Programs) • Allows you to add/track tasks, see a report view, check links • Can edit the HTML code • Can see the directory structure/navigation of your site • Check in/out system for working with others.
Disadvantages • The code isn’t as clean/easy to read as it is in other web design programs for advanced pages • The Penn State Personal Server does not have FrontPage Server Extensions
Using Macromedia Dreamweaver as your Web Site Editor
Dreamweaver Advantages • Standards compliant- Accessibility checker for Section 508 compliance • Organizes Web pages by “site” • Creates easily readable code without much junk • Very robust syntax checker- Cleans “busy” code from other sources like FrontPage or Word • Free reference for HTML, JavaScript, CSS • Easy to use and create templates
Dreamweaver Advantages • Helps a collaborative project by allowing file “check-in” and “check-out” • Integrates with Fireworks and Flash for visual design of Web pages, keeping formatting and dynamic content • Does not change previously created code but will suggest cleanups and changes for better compatibility • Interface is highly customizable
Dreamweaver Disadvantages • Steep learning curve compared to FrontPage • Help files do not always give needed background on the bigger picture
Using Adobe GoLive as your Web Site Editor
GoLive • WYSIWYG editor • One of the first big HTML editors to hit the market • Many advanced tools like Dreamweaver
GoLive Advantages • Mostly Standards compliant • Easily organizes site • Integrates with Photoshop/ImageReady easily • Sites created in Photoshop can be transferred into GoLive for final editing • Allows “place anywhere” design
GoLive Advantages • Has a well developed “workgroup server” to help in collaborative projects • Helps with revision management • File control • Accessibility checker for Section 508 compliance • HTML syntax checker
GoLive Disadvantages • Interface can be more confusing to novice users • Unclear help files
Using Macromedia Flash Dynamic content and Interactivity without all the code
Flash Examples • http://www.libraries.psu.edu/maps/ • Sample files provided by Macromedia- http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
Flash • Has become the Web standard for streaming media. • Familiar interface for Macromedia product users.
Flash Advantages • No HTML or JavaScript coding necessary • Can create interactive content with a couple of mouse clicks • Entire “Web site” can be contained in a single Flash file. • Easy to use templates and pre-made user interface components help create an attractive and functional user interface.
Flash Disadvantages • Flash player plug-in required, not “universally” compatible. • Intended for visually rich Web experience, not ideal for accessibility. • Advanced features have a steep learning curve.
Considerations for Choosing a Photo Editing Program • Cost (software and training) • Hardware requirements (such as platform, operating system, processor, RAM, Hard-disk space, and display) • Usability • Functionality • Purpose for using it (web graphics or print)
Web-Based Training Available at: https://wbt.psu.edu/ • Web editor comparison course available: • CIW Site Design Part 3: Using FrontPage, Dreamweaver, and HomeSite.
HTML Editors • EditPlus2- http://www.editplus.com • Netscape Composer-http://wp.netscape.com/communicator/composer/v4.0/index.html • Frontpage- http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/ • Dreamweaver-http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/ • Adobe GoLive-http://www.adobe.com/products/golive/main.html
Codeless Tools • Flash- http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/ • Contribute-http://www.macromedia.com/software/contribute/ • ANGEL- http://cms.psu.edu
Web Design • Webmonkey • http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/ • earthWebdeveloper.com • http://webdeveloper.earthweb.com/ • HTML Goodies • http://www.htmlgoodies.com/ • Web Developers Virtual Library • http://www.wdvl.com/ • Web Developer.com • http://www.webdeveloper.com/
DevShed.com • http://www.devshed.com/ • Builder.com • http://builder.com.com/