|
|
Dreamweaver |
Flash |
Fireworks |
Best
used for
|
Creating
html file, beginning to intermediate Web pages |
Creating
an animated or interactive movie, creating a self-contained Web environment
(scenes instead of pages) |
Creating
animated gif, drawing, graphic images. |
Type
of File it creates
|
.html file Can insert files
created in other applications (.gif, .jpg) made in Photoshop, Fireworks, etc. |
.fla movie Can import files
created in other applications (.gif, .jpg) made in Photoshop, Illustrator,
Fireworks, etc. |
.png file Can import files
created in other applications (.gif, .jpg) made in Photoshop, Illustrator,
etc. |
Type
of code it writes
|
HTML,
some Javascript-easy to troubleshoot and modify in other Web editor (like
Composer or GoLive) or text editor (like Simpletext or Notepad). |
Proprietary
Flash code-must be created and modified in Flash program |
Writes
HTML, Javascript, and makes .gif files. Difficult to debug if you don't
understand Javascript. |
Accessibility
|
Most
functions supported by most browsers. Layers not supported by all browsers
giving inconsistent results. |
Requires
Flash plug-in to run on Web. Slow on low bandwidth; self-contained
environment renders browser buttons and features useless (Back button, etc.),
low accessibility for handicapped. |
Most
functions supported by most browsers. Creates many files. All files must be
loaded on Web space for page to work. |
Animation
|
Some
movement and tweening, simple rollovers |
Full
animation and interactivity, complex rollovers |
Animated
gif, frames, and Javascript capability |
Advanced
Features
|
Javascript
Behaviors |
Javascript
Actions, decent drawing capabilities |
Javascript
Behaviors; advanced drawing and effect capabilities |
Comparable
Applications
|
Adobe
GoLive, Netscape Composer, Microsoft Frontpage |
Adobe After
Effects |
Adobe
Photoshop/Image Ready, Adobe Live Motion |