SSI (Include) Vs Dreamweaver templates 2

[Glasgow]

I want to build a new site and establish a common look and feel across pages using standard and consistent header format, navigation etc.

I believe that Server Side Includes would be one way of implementing such common components without unnecessary duplication. I am also aware that Dreamweaver has a 'template' feature which I assume could be used to the same end.

Do Dreamweaver templates effectively generate the same HTML across all pages that use that template? Presumably this would imply using more disk space on the server. Server Side Includes, on the other hand, might take a bit longer to load as it would involve reading 2 files rather than one. Do I have the concept right?

I am interested in knowing the pros and cons of the respective approaches and whether there tends to be a 'preferred' approach.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sheco]

The first question is are you using DreamWeaver for general site development?

I assume the answer is Yes ... unless the base question that you are ultimately trying to decide if you want to use DreamWeaver at all.

 

[Glasgow]

unless the base question that you are ultimately trying to decide if you want to use DreamWeaver at all.

That's part of it. It seems quite likely that I will use Dreamweaver but yet to make final decision and need to know whether Templates offer any real advantage.

 

[Sheco]

Man this is a religious question... I'm not gonna offer an opinion that can be used against me when the Spanish Inquisition comes ... even though nobody expects it...

Chances are the performance issue doesn't matter unless your website needs to handle at least a hundred hits a minute and it is running on a 486...

Chances are the diskspace issue doesn't matter unless you are using a hosting company that charges by the megabyte.

Chances are that the only really questions are:
1. Will it take me any longer to use DreamWeaver vs. something else.
2. Will it be easier to maintain if I use DreamWeaver vs. something else.

If someone pays you to spend an extra week on a web page just to make it work faster... well compare your weekly paycheck with the cost of faster computer hardware and see how it looks... chances are you can add a second box for less money. heh.

 

[ChrisHirst]

If you use DW templates and you change a template, because the pages are built by DW you would have to upload all the pages.
Using SSI, you change one, replace it on the server and all files will update.

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Woo Hoo! the cobblers kids get new shoes.

http://www.cram-system.com

Nightclub counting systems

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

 

[Glasgow]

Thanks for the input - well, at least it would appear to have been a valid question!

Sheco - I agree on the performance & disk space issue but I wanted to at least verify I had understood the two concepts. No, sorry three concepts, including fanatical devotion to the .... (sorry I digress)

Chris Re serverer download - yes, a very valid point and much like FrontPage 'shared borders'. Re 'all the fish' - I wonder if DW was used to do Norway's crinkly bits.... (I digress again)

Any thoughts on which would be quicker for development? DW I suppose?