Rating: 
Summary: Right Tool for the Job - Coder's Dream Come True
Review: Since its original release by Allaire Corporation in 1996, HomeSite has defined excellence in web development software in functionality, extensibility, and productivity. Six years and four feature-packed releases later it remains thus, and it still forms the cornerstone of my own development toolbox. Among the reasons for this are the software's configurable and highly unobtrusive workspace, a host of keyboard shortcuts and productivity-and-efficiency features, and a wealth of built-in validation and analysis tools including spell-check, link verification, and real-time, multi-language syntax validation and color coding. Also indispensable are the file tab, sophisticated find and replace functionality, and project management and FTP. Additionally, features can be added, or existing features enhanced, through integration with such excellent third-party tools as CSE HTML Validator Pro, WatchFire Linkbot, and the TopStyle CSS Editor included in the installation. The program even supports the configuration of server mappings to preview dynamically generated pages-ASP, PHP, JSP, etc.--in the same application as you code!Macromedia HomeSite 5 is the only answer for the serious web developer and hand-coder today. Note that it is NOT a visual solution (e.g. a WYSIWYG), nor is it the same product alleged to be integrated with the new Dreamweaver MX. If you value the sanctity of you code (if you don't want it rewritten behind your back) or if you've enjoyed HomeSite in the past, don't be fooled into "upgrading" to Dreamweaver! It's not the same thing! Cross over and loose all your keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys and all the strength of the "unobtrusive" environment you valued in HomeSite. On the other hand, if you're a designer--if you're not comfortable coding your HTML by hand--or if you "just need" that click-n-drag environment, this is not the tool for you. HomeSite is not a FrontPage or a Dreamweaver. It IS the single most mature, most accommodating development environment for the professional developer (or even programmer) available today, so if that's you, jump! The cost of the software isn't even comparable to the rewards you'll reap in efficiency and professionalism.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't bother upgrading if you already have HS 4.5
Review: The only thing not to like about Homesite is the fact that it is now a Macromedia product. Support and Community were better under Allaire. However, Homesite is the Hand-Coder's tool of choice. Anything you can do with the WYSIWYG editors (like Dreamweaver) is much easier to do in Homesite (with the exception of database and web application programming). I use Homesite as my primary tool for putting a site together and getting it pretty much where I want it. I use Dreamweaver only as a means to add 'instant' database connectivity and web applications to the otherwise complete site. The best thing about Homesite is the ability to really work with the code in an environment set-up for it. Sure, you can work with the code in Dreamweaver (as Macromedia is so quick to point out), but the environment is not as conducive. For instance, unless you use the 'Preview in Browser' feature, you can't even see your changes as they will actually appear when the site is live - this is because the Dreamweaver preview is not accurately rendered. In the Homesite preview, ironically, what you see, really is what you get. I only rate this product *four**stars* because of the lack of real support, bug fixes, and improvements since Macromedia took over the product. I have some hope that Macromedia may start supporting Homesite in a more aggressive fashion. I sure hope so. If not, Macromedia, if yo're listening, please release Homesite as an Open Source project so we can all benefit.
Rating: 
Summary: Non-WYSIWYG Editor - AND THAT'S A GOOD THING!!
Review: The only thing not to like about Homesite is the fact that it is now a Macromedia product. Support and Community were better under Allaire. However, Homesite is the Hand-Coder's tool of choice. Anything you can do with the WYSIWYG editors (like Dreamweaver) is much easier to do in Homesite (with the exception of database and web application programming). I use Homesite as my primary tool for putting a site together and getting it pretty much where I want it. I use Dreamweaver only as a means to add 'instant' database connectivity and web applications to the otherwise complete site. The best thing about Homesite is the ability to really work with the code in an environment set-up for it. Sure, you can work with the code in Dreamweaver (as Macromedia is so quick to point out), but the environment is not as conducive. For instance, unless you use the 'Preview in Browser' feature, you can't even see your changes as they will actually appear when the site is live - this is because the Dreamweaver preview is not accurately rendered. In the Homesite preview, ironically, what you see, really is what you get. I only rate this product *four**stars* because of the lack of real support, bug fixes, and improvements since Macromedia took over the product. I have some hope that Macromedia may start supporting Homesite in a more aggressive fashion. I sure hope so. If not, Macromedia, if yo're listening, please release Homesite as an Open Source project so we can all benefit.
Rating:
Summary: Best HTML code editor program for Windows
Review: This product is often overlooked with the myriad of WYSIWYG visual HTML editors out in the market. Homesite 5.0 is targeted for people who type HTML code by hand or are programmers. Highlights:
1) Code Insight: As you type, a list of HTML attributes appears in a tooltip interface. You can choose one instead of typing it out completely. 2) Validator: It comes with a decent HTML validator that can validate against several browsers and W3C specs. 3) Top Style Lite: CSS editor to make basic style sheets. 4) Global Search and/or Replace: If you produce accurate HTML templates and later need to make a global change to the template, the search and replace is powerful. Search and/or replace within a single directory, a directory and its sub-folders, current document, or all open documents. 5) FTP ability: It has an FTP client that will allow you to connect to a remote server directly in side Homesite, allowing you to edit files "directly" (it really just downloads the file locally, you edit it, and when you save, it goes back to the server). Nonetheless, it saves a little time and money, if you don't want to get another FTP client. 6) Integration with CSE HTML Validator and Top Style Pro:
The validator and style editor with Homesite 5.0 are basic versions. If you buy the more powerful versions, they seamlessly integrate into Homesite. 7) Syntax highlighting for major scripting languages and HTML:
HTML, Javascript, PHP, JSP, ASP, CFML, Perl 8) XHTML support: VERY important if you care about standards-compliance. 9) Extendable dialog boxes/custom dialog boxes:
You can use the built-in scripting language to create custom dialog windows for Homesite, should you need it. You get the best value for the dollar with Homesite 5.0, so even casual and hobbyists can take advantage of it. If you must edit web pages visually, then this isn't the product for you. If you want to write web pages with attention to code detail, this program helps a lot.
Rating:
Summary: The only way to produce HTML code in a Windows Environment
Review: This product is the only way to write HTML code in a Windows Environment. It offers excellent wizards for tables, forms, etc. It will easily validate your links, check spelling for content, and convert all tags to uppercase or lowercase. You can easily reset a page for XHTML or HTML. Its drag and drop capability is superb. This product give you some terrific timsavers in creating code without any unwanted extra code.
Rating:
Summary: Use Dreamweaver first then tweak with Homesite
Review: When starting a new web site, it's nice to whip out a page without worrying about the code. That way you don't lose your train of thought. However, as good as Dreamweaver is, I'm less than impressed with the way it writes code. That's when you NEED Homesite. With Homesite has plenty of useful tools to help you tweak the code and make the code "look pretty". This program is a MUST for your web page arsenal.
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