Though this section is for Dreamweaver 4, I am writing a review for Dreamweaver MX.
As a webdesigner, I first started on Notepad, then tried out Frontpage 2000 and got introduced to Dreamweaver 3 by a friend. Soon afterwards, I jumped to Dreamweaver 4 and then Ultradev 4. Today, with the launch of Dreamweaver MX, one of the biggest upgrades Macromedia has made made wrt to its editors, I couldn’t be happier. They have clubbed together the features of Dreamweaver 4, Ultradev 4 and Homesite to give us Dreamweaver MX.
What’s new?
The first thing you will realize when you open Dreamweaver MX is the new look.
Quoting from the Help file, these are some of the new features in short.
A new integrated workspace layout including fully dockable panels and tabbed document windows.
Enhanced Dreamweaver templates
The Site Definition Wizard for first timers.
Code Hints
Customizable Insert bar
A file explorer is now integrated into the Site panel.
Answers panel connects you directly with online resources from the Macromedia Support Center.
Enhanced table editing and manipulation generates better code for table edits in Layout view and Standard view.
Cascading JavaScript pop-up menus can now be created right in Dreamweaver MX.
Robust support for all the latest server technologies
Easy access to the latest standards
Build websites compliant with the latest web standards, including XML and web services, and keep your skills up to date with cutting-edge development technologies.
Web services introspection for ASP.NET, ColdFusion, and Java
XML editing and validation
Enhanced CSS support
XHTML support (My favourite). Also, quickly convert legacy HTML files to XHTML using the XHTML converter.
ColdFusion Component support
Code Validator ensures that your documents are meeting the appropriate standards by providing a validation report against a specific browser profile or a specific version of a standard, including XHTML transitional and HTML 4.0.
Improved support for Flash MX and Fireworks MX from withing Dreamweaver MX.
Tag Inspectorfor viewing XML, HTML, and CFML.
Secure FTP login integrates with MacSSH and PUTTY for Windows to allow for SSH enabled secure transfer of login information from the integrated Dreamweaver FTP client.
Full UTF-8 character-set support in all languages.
Full Mac OS X and Windows XP support.
Should I upgrade?
Depends...
One major feature that personally I personally love is the XHTML support. Another is the tabbed interface. Sure beats switching windows continuously!
Dreamweaver MX costs US $399, so if your going to upgrade, make sure that you really need all the features that MX promises to deliver. Otherwise, it is advisable to continue using Dreamweaver 4.
Where do I get it?
You can read more information and download a trial version from https://macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/
Any Downsides to the latest version?
Wouldnt really call it a downside, but for those using extensions, Dreamweaver MX doesn’t completely support Dreamweaver 4 extensions. Most Dreamweaver 4 extensions work with Dreamweaver, but there are many which are not compatible. This is because the code that handles extensions in Dreamweaver MX has been rewritten. Most extension developers however are releasing newer versions of their extensions which support Dreamweaver MX.
One more irritating factor about Dreamweaver MX is that due to the tabbed interface, the actual workspace for the code has been reduced. So if you want the complete workspace, you have to minimize all tabs. Also the quick launcher found at the bottom right of the window in Dreamweaver 4 has been done away with.
However, Dreamweaver MX does give you the option of selecting the type of workspace you want, viz. Dreamweaver MX style, Dreamweaver 4 style or Homesite style.
So go ahead, download a trial and make your decision