Regarding Expression Web 4.

Question

I just downloaded Microsoft Expression Web 4 and I intend to put a lot of work into learning it. Is it still working or is it outdated? I just got it free, so I have no ID number with it.

Answer 1

I don't consider myself an expert in this.  Although development stopped in 2011 HTML5 and CSS3 has not changed since then and it still supports that.  Although it supports Javascript and PHP there are other products that do a much better job.  I am looking at collaborating on a website.  I'm finding that it doesn't directly support some of the technologies used for the website and I haven't figured out a flow yet.  They use Github and Git for the repository.  There is no direct support but I can use the command line for that.  They use Gulp for automation and PostCSS for CSS.  They use a cool server called Browsersync that allows the the webpage to be instantly updated.  This works great if you are using multiple monitors.  I can still use EW4 for HTML but they also use lots of automation for HTML.  Using EW4 in this flow feels like putting a square peg in a round hole.  I'll probably use Visual Studio Code and adapt to their exact flow.

In summary if you are doing a straight forward website and are not interested in using the latest website development technologies then EW4 is excellent.

This my opinion and there a lot of very experienced experts who monitor this forum and can give a better opinion.

Answer 2

Ah, good ol' mogulman. When the question is about EW's capabilities, we can always count on him to list all the advanced projects he's working on, for which EW just won't get the job done, and then list the advanced tools, alternative languages, and server products he's using instead to get them done. The vast majority of the people asking the question, of course, and those reading the thread, couldn't care less, but I suppose that it's harmless.

Gary, I have used Web development tools from the original FP 97, to Dreamweaver from MX 2004 to CS6, and many other tools that have fallen by the wayside, and I have used EW and contributed to this forum for nine years. I can tell you without reservation that you will not find a better, easier to use, and easier to learn with Web development tool then EW, period. (BTW, if you have additional questions as you are learning, you will want to ask them in the correct forum. This one is dedicated to Expression Design, not Expression Web.)

Since you are willing to take the time to learn, you will want to start with the Learning Resources and Reference Sites section of the Forum FAQs and Guidelines - Start Here. You'll want to start with Cheryl's "Build a Basic Web Site" video tutorial, at http://by-expression.com/page/EW-Video-Basic-Website-tutorial. Be sure to download the "assets.zip" file, which contains all of the images and text used in the tutorial, so that you can follow along with her in the tutorial and build the page. Simply watch the tutorial all the way through first. Then watch it again, following along, step by step, as she builds the page. When complete, you will have a pretty fair introduction to HTML and CSS, as well as how to use EW's visual tools to implement them. Good luck!  ;-)

cheers,
scott

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Answer 3

I must admit I don't do a lot of web development.  I started communicating with someone who does a few websites a year and he explained today's requirements like 'Mobile First' and all the automation that is used now.  Phone browsers are used more than desktop or tablets.  He made it sound like everyone does it that way.  Again, I have no perspective. 

As I mentioned if you are not interested in using the latest website development technologies then EW4 is excellent.  I know of no limitations in EW4 preventing you from creating an amazing website. 

I know I gained a lot communicating with him and gaining a better perspective of today's web development process.

Answer 4

Thank you for that reply; very encouraging. I am a desktop builder and I will use EW4 now. It looks like some really cool software. Gary White.

Answer 5

A wealth of good info, thank you so much. I will check this stuff out also. I just cut my teeth on one of Microsoft's HTML 5 books and have a start, but will consider myself a novice for quite some time yet. Love this stuff. Gary White.