Microsoft Expression Web: A Worthy Web Dev Successor to FrontPage? Creating Style Sheets, Tables, and More Lee Underwood
Creating style sheets is relatively simple. (You still need to have some understanding of them, though.) Clicking on the "New Style" link brings up a box with all the items needed to create any type of style. A preview of the style is shown in the window at the bottom of the box, making it easy to see what you're creating. Unfortunately, CSS shorthands are not used, e.g., instead of combining each of the font characteristics on one line, the editor places them all on separate lines. It does, however, format the styles so they're easily readable.
Creating tables is easy. It's just a matter of inputting a few numbers and it's finished. The code is formatted in an easy-to-read layout. The editor can also be set to automatically give each table a unique ID.
The editor also includes an XPath Expression Builder for working with XML data. In addition, ASP.NET controls can be easily inserted and configured using the controls toolbox, properties grid, and on-control "action menus." ASP.NET can also be used to obtain data from a database using data source controls and data-bound controls.
While the program does have real-time standards validation, the editor doesn't tell you a tag is deprecated until after it's been entered. While it's a helpful feature, it would be much better if there was a warning beforehand.
Summary
As stated at the beginning of this review, I'm generally not fond of many Microsoft products but I must say that I was pretty impressed with Expression Web. Unlike other WYSIWYG editors, it only writes the code necessary for the work being done, and that's a big plus in my book as well as a surprise considering the company behind Expression Web.
Using the editor was pretty simple. I generally don't read the instructions until I've had the software for some time, and this one was quite easy to maneuver around without the need for consulting the online help. Most of the items were placed in areas where you would expect them to be.
If you like editors that do a large portion of the work for you, and you want the WYSIWYG capability, download the trial package and take Microsoft Expression Web for a test drive. Everything is functional so you can get the entire perspective. And if you're currently using FrontPage, then you'll likely want to upgrade to this package and its collection of web development features.
The Basics
Expression Web is available as a download from the Microsoft Web site, as well as online stores. It sells for $269.10 for the whole program and $89.96 for an upgrade from FrontPage at amazon.com. There is also a free 60 day trial from Microsoft.
Expression Web system requirements:
PC with Pentium 700 or faster processor
Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later or Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or later operating system
512 MB of RAM or more
1.5 GB of available hard disk space; a portion this disk space will be freed after installation the original download package is removed from the hard drive
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
1024 × 768 or higher resolution monitor
Internet functionality requires Internet access; Network access required
Broadband connection, 128 Kbps or greater, for download and activation of products
