I've always used Dreamweaver to create and maintain websites, the buzz lately seems to be to use Wordpress. Have anyone had a chance to use both - is it worth me changing to Wordpress?

Originally Posted by divaglamma

I've always used Dreamweaver to create and maintain websites, the buzz lately seems to be to use Wordpress. Have anyone had a chance to use both - is it worth me changing to Wordpress?

I use/do both (although I use code view in DW, not design view ).

These are two different, individual entities. Dreamweaver is site designing software installed on your computer that you use (X)HTML/CSS (php, javascript, etc.) to design sites.

Wordpress is an open source blog (or static site w/blog capabilities) publishing application powered by php and a MySQL database. You can upload themes that can be customized with plugins, etc. The design layout and look can be changed from the backend of WP by accessing the files that need manipulating. Use of an FTP program is a necessity for uploading new images, etc. when changing the look of a WP site. Knowledge of (X)HTML/CSS, and php is helpful with WordPress, but not necessary if you use a theme "out of the box."

They are totally different, so you wouldn't need to choose to 'change' to Wordpress, you can do/use both.

HTH a bit - not sure I explained this too clearly.

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Thanks for the response Jules, I was trying to think of a way to explain this myself

Jules has given a great reply here, if I can just add to it by saying - you can create sites in WordPress and use DreamWeaver to edit your code - so just as Jules said, you can use both and don't have to 'choose'.

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Jules gave a fantastic explanation! Another way to think about it is this:

DW is a tool; while WP is the engine

Just FYI there is a WP extension for DW: http://www.themedreamer.com/ -- I haven't used it yet, but it looks like it could help DW users get a handle on WP coding, especially for themes.

Cortney

Thanks, that helps alot!
Take care,
Gayle

Good resource, Cortney. Thanks for sharing it.

Anytime! I have a lot of resources for DW and WP. Looking for something, just ask.

I know I am jumping in late but here is my 2 cents: IMHO, switching to a WP site makes a lot of sense, if you are constantly changing content and would like to give others the ability to add/change content. Also, from a time perspective, I find it saves a lot. I have converted all of my sites to WP but still have some pages that are built in DW and integrated into the WP site. There are some great plug-ins that make this process seamless.

I am also finding that more and more of my clients are blogging so the WP site is a great option for them.

I say go for it and simplify your life!

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Gina Storr, Virtual Assistance Professional
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There's got to be an easier way than dreamweaver.
I'm using an older version, 3.0 but can't seem to get the hang of it.

I know I'm whined about it for months now...And I am getting as many opinions whether to use DW or WP as the amount of people I ask. I'm reading on tech site after tech site.

I'm very tech savvy but feeling lost and ignorant when it comes to DW. I did get some feedback from Clerical Advantage this week...she has an awesome site. It's time to make a decision because I have a SEO guy waiting to help me with traffic, so it's time to make a move.

I'd say go ahead with WP to get your site up and running. Suggest that if you have not already done so, take the time to learn basic HTML (recommend Lynda.com). This will also help with DW which will come in very handy in the future, even if you are using WP).

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Gina Storr, Virtual Assistance Professional
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