Difference Between Microsoft FrontPage and Adobe Dreamweaver

Microsoft FrontPage vs Adobe Dreamweaver

Microsoft FrontPage and Adobe Dreamweaver are software applications that are used to create as well as edit HTML documents. FrontPage was developed by Microsoft while Dreamweaver is a product from Adobe. The new versions of Adobe’s Dreamweaver are available in the market while FrontPage is no more in production.

Microsoft FrontPage

FrontPage is a software application that is used to create as well as edit HTML documents. The application was developed by Vermeer Technologies but then it was acquired by Microsoft in the year 1996 so that FrontPage could be added to its product line-up.

FrontPage can also be used to create websites. Users can create a web page as they want to look it on the browser. The application automatically adds HTML source code in order to make sure that the web browser shows the page in the right manner.

FrontPage application also makes use server extensions. These extensions are a set of programs that run on the server. The FrontPage users can employ a series of scripts in order to add dynamicity to the web pages. Three areas of functionality are offered by server extensions:

Administering – Different communications with the server that are related to permissions are handled by server extensions. In case of multiple authors, the server extensions also keep track of things that are being done.

Authoring – There is an interaction between server extensions and FrontPage explorer whenever there is some file or folder maintenance such as deleting, renaming, moving files or folders in FrontPage.

Browse-time Functionality – Functionality is provided by server extensions when “Web Bots” are employed in the web. The extensions act like CGI programs.

Adobe Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver is a popular web development software program developed by Adobe. Complex functionalities are provided by Dreamweaver that allows users to create simple web pages to more dynamic ones written with PHP, CSS, ColdFusion, JavaScript, XSLT and XML.

It is not just a HTML editor rather it supports number of scripting languages. It is the most powerful as well as fully featured web development tool. It is available both for Windows OS and Mac and it allows users to preview web pages in their respective browsers. It combines an FTP client, convenient scripting environment and a WYSIWYG editor that supports advanced script formatting and auto-complete options. Live View mode is also available in latest version which allows users to view the changes in real time environment. Instant feedback is given by the live view whenever there is any change in the code of the website. This feature saves a lot of time and professionals can experiment with different codes and errors can be avoided also.

The script mode of the application is used by skilled professionals through which the code can be accessed and benefit of auto-complete feature can be employed. For beginners, there is a design view that provides WYSIWYG editor which automatically generates the code.

Split View functionality is also provided by Dreamweaver that allows developers and designers in editing the code directly and to see the effects in the editor simultaneously.

Dreamweaver is the one of the best development software available today. However, all the features of Dreamweaver can be utilized by small group of users. But for beginners, FrontPage is good application to develop web pages.