14 DAY TRIAL // Internet is an ever-expanding realm and the number of Web pages increases with each moment. The number of professional designers doesn't go up that fast, and there are also a lot of people who don't want to spend hundreds of dollars to have a site designed.
There are two approaches to Web design for newbies. First one is to start learning at least HTML and the basics of a graphics program like GIMP before designing your site, while the second is to use the power of a visual development tool.
Today I will present you a program that can help you with the task above. Dynamic Architect is a tool that simplifies the creation of advanced Web pages without having to write or even see a single line of code. It recently reached version 1.4.5 and can be tested for free during 15 days.
Dynamic Architect's installation kit is 2.4MB in size and the setup process is a piece of cake. Let's see what it can do!
The interface of the program is easy to use and well organized, having a menu bar, a toolbar and a main work area. The work area has a components list, a properties pane, a visual editor and a library.
The components list helps you add objects to your project. The objects that can be added start with buttons and end with a timer. Most objects can be seen in the Web page, while others, like the timer, perform their actions, but can't be seen.
To add a component you have to drag it from the list onto the visual editor area. After that, you have to change its properties and then add events to it, if events are available for a certain type of object and you really need it.
Once you start the action and you want to add an event, you will be taken inside the action editor, a tool that allows you to choose and setup the needed event(s). You can change font, color, position and more, all these being events.
The elements on your project are organized in layers, but you don't need to worry about that. What you can do is change the way your objects are placed, sending them to front or to back of the "sandwich".
The library is used to store flash and image items that you use in your project.
The funniest part about this program is that you don't have a Settings area, it just works! If everything would be that easy...but it's not, so you'll have to read on the good, the bad and the truth about this program. I hope you'll enjoy it!
The Good
Dynamic Architect is easy to use and can prove quite useful for beginners. The best thing about it is that you don't have to write a single line of code, although it is cross-browser compatible and uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The Bad
This program lacks an important amount of features, like a built in FTP client for uploading your work, site templates and code snippets. The View menu could be erased and those two functions placed inside the toolbar.
The Truth
Dynamic Architect is not bad at all, but its price is too high when considering what you get for your money. Trial is for free, and I guess that spending an hour or less with this program can't harm you; some may even consider buying it. Good luck!
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
