Dreamweaver Learning Curve?

[imageWIS]

So, I haven't made a website in several years and want to get back to practicing my HTML, plus learn a few new skills. What is the learning curve to get a decent to solid foundation of Dreamweaver?

 

[Blackhood]

DW is one of those programs which is as complicated as you make it. A a basic HTML editor its great, once you start moving into CSS its tougher. MySQL and server-side databases are a no-go.

Naturally I would never condone breaking the law, but I would advise against paying retail until you're up to speed. You may find it does too much to be of use (like Photoshop CS5) or isn't quite right for the tasks you're after (like InDesign or Bridge)

 

[imageWIS]

Well, I have the full CS5 Master Suite, and I already am very proficient with InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

I used to edit HTML many, many years ago, but never CSS or Flash, etc... I want to make a personal website (which would have but a few simple pages in an elegant layout), and last night I found a website whose basic idea is what I want to mimic. So, I copied the source code into Dreamweaver to see how it is put together and it was too complex for me. I mean I could edit headers, and pictures, but there was integration of various code that was too advanced for me current knowledge.

 

[Blackhood]

To be honest if you're already good with InDesign and Photoshop then you should be able to get your head around DW in a few weeks.

It has the (dis?)advantage of allowing you to make up pages in an almost MS Word-based screen on one side while constructing the code in the other. It means that you can hybrid you skills, tackling the code where you are comfortable but having it automate bits you're unsure of.

Coders and web developers consider this horrific, as you don't have any code-based disciplines, and it can turn into a mangled web of inelegant HTML/CSS design. On the other hand you'll have your website looking and acting like you want it to.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Blackhood

To be honest if you're already good with InDesign and Photoshop then you should be able to get your head around DW in a few weeks.

It has the (dis?)advantage of allowing you to make up pages in an almost MS Word-based screen on one side while constructing the code in the other. It means that you can hybrid you skills, tackling the code where you are comfortable but having it automate bits you're unsure of.

Coders and web developers consider this horrific, as you don't have any code-based disciplines, and it can turn into a mangled web of inelegant HTML/CSS design. On the other hand you'll have your website looking and acting like you want it to.

I sent you a PM with the website layout I would like to mimic and a question.

 

[olstudios]

How complicated is the website that you are looking to mimic?

Like Blackhood said, it shouldn't be to hard coming from other adobe products.