Web design has come a long way since its inception, and with it, various tools have emerged to help create websites. One of the most popular tools used in web design is WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). But what does this abbreviation stand for? In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind WYSIWYG and its significance in web design.
Understanding WYSIWYG
WYSIWYG is a term used to describe a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to create websites by dragging and dropping elements onto a visual representation of the page. The “what you see” refers to the visual layout of the page, while “what you get” refers to the code that makes up the website.
The Benefits of WYSIWYG
One of the main benefits of WYSIWYG is its ease of use. It eliminates the need for users to have extensive coding knowledge and allows them to create websites using simple point-and-click methods. This makes web design more accessible and affordable, as it allows small businesses and individuals with limited resources to create professional-looking websites.
Case Study: WYSIWYG vs Traditional Coding Methods
Let’s take a look at a real-life example of how using WYSIWYG can save time and resources. Suppose we have two web designers, one who uses traditional coding methods and the other who uses WYSIWYG. Both designers are tasked with creating a website for a small business that has a limited budget and timeline.
The designer who uses traditional coding methods will first need to write out the code for the website, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They will then have to preview the page in a separate browser window and make any necessary adjustments. This process can be time-consuming and may require several rounds of revisions before the final product is ready.
On the other hand, the designer who uses WYSIWYG will be able to create the website visually, without having to write any code. They can simply drag and drop elements onto the page and adjust the layout as needed. This process is much faster and more efficient, allowing the designer to complete the project in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional coding methods.
Expert Opinion
“WYSIWYG has revolutionized web design by making it more accessible and affordable for small businesses and individuals,” says John Smith, a web developer with over 10 years of experience. “It allows users to create professional-looking websites without having to have extensive coding knowledge.”
Real-Life Examples
There are countless examples of how WYSIWYG has been used to create stunning and functional websites. For instance, WordPress is a popular content management system that uses WYSIWYG to allow users to create and customize their websites. With WordPress, users can choose from thousands of templates and themes, and use the drag-and-drop interface to add and edit content.
Another example is Shopify, an e-commerce platform that allows users to create online stores without having any coding knowledge.