Whats better using HTML/CSS edited by hand or usin

Question

For design websites is it better to do it your self by learning HTML/CSS or using web design programs? and why?

Answer 1

Doing it by hand. Using design programs tends to insert a lot of extra markup you don't really need, which will just complicate your ability to learn.

If you do it by hand you at least know what was inserted where, and why. Plus there are a lot of good websites out there that can walk you through the basics.

Answer 2

They really serve two purposes, and either one is "better" for it's purpose.

If you learn to do it by hand, you will:

• Have more control over exactly what is happening
• Have less extraneous code
• Be able to maintain your code more easily

If you use a program, you will:

• Be able to design visually
• Possibly be able to design more quickly
• Not have to learn to write CSS by hand

It really depends on what your goal is.

Answer 3

IMO you will still learn using web design programs like Dreamweaver, since you have to look at the source and make it fit your exact desires,and its quicker. But doing it by hand will give you the more you write the more you learn type of thing that I agree with 100%

Answer 4

I like to code by hand because i can keep my code clean and tidy that way. HTML is not very hard anyway.

If you decide to code by hand you will need an editor that supports syntax highlight, and you will need to validate your code as often as possible to avoid errors (this is good practice anyway). This extension for Firefox will ease your work a lot: users.skynet.be/mgueury/mozilla/

Answer 5

Learn for yourself so you can figure out how to do things exactly how you want them to be done, and not have to rely on some sort of program to figure it out for you.

Answer 6

I prefer HTML/CSS by hand because you have the most control over the code. Most design programs will add additional markup that is not required. Even simple WYSIWYG JavaScript editors add extra markup. Although, not a huge difference in file size, the additional markup will add up over time. I would also argue that its easier to maintain code when you know what went into its creation.

Additionally, you'll learn a lot more by taking the time to do it by hand.