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Adobe GoLive 4.0

Adobe GoLive 4.0

GoLive has made a name for itself in generating code in languages other than HTML (like JavaScript) and in site management. GoLive makes link checking, HTML code proofing, and find and replace about as easy as they can possibly be.

Unlike it’s predecessor, PageMill, GoLive is not a program for beginners. If you do not have a good basic knowledge of HTML and know the proper way to design and construct a Web site, this is not the program to start with. But for people who have generated their site by hand and now want to take advantage of some more advanced features, GoLive is an excellent way to do it.

GoLive lets you take two different approaches to designing Web pages. You can lay them out the traditional way, from the top down, inserting elements as you go, or you can use the Layout Grid to place images, text, and other elements directly where you want them on the page.

One of the great things about Adobe’s GoLive is that it supports all or most of the newest technologies available. It is one of the newest releases (the Windows version was released in Spring of 1999) so Java, DHTML, style sheets, and even Quick Time movies are supported by the software. Unlike other page generation programs, GoLive can provide Web page previews for different browsers. Considering how so many of the programs we’ve listed have problems developing true WYSIWYG code, this feature on GoLive is very valuable.

Adobe Systems builds great interfaces with their programs, and that carries over into GoLive. The floating tool bars and menus are all redundant, which makes finding the commands you want to use easy for beginners.

Site management is handled easily with GoLive; broken links are not only found but repaired automatically. Searches can be conducted across all pages at once, which is invaluable, and the entire structure of your site can be presented as a flow chart. This charting feature not only allows you to change the structure at will, but makes it easy to hand your existing site off to a development firm if you find it is time to scale it up. GoLive also has an FTP protocol for getting your site up and running quickly.

GoLive also offers an excellent editor for repairing source code, which is good, because the program can often generate bad code. The code-generating problems are not as bad as with some other WYSIWYG Web page generation programs, but when the bugs appear they can be complex, which is why knowing HTML is crucial. Also, many users have complained about the time involved in making fine changes in elements. It would be quicker in many circumstances to just rewrite the HTML code, which is just another reason why knowing HTML is vital to success with this product.

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