Need better productivity on CSS 3

[Sleidia]

Hi guys,

I need to find a way to drastically improve my productivity on CSS scripting, especially when working on localhost based PHP/mySQL sites that aren't simple HTML templates.

Basically, I have enough saving my CSS file and refreshing the browser after every major change is made.

So, how could I edit my CSS file and see the changes displayed directly in real time in my browser?

I've tried the Web Developper plug-in for FireFox but it doesn't allow tabbing!

Thanks!

 

[ChrisHirst]

put a meta refresh element into the page while you are testing.


HTTP is a disconnected protocol, where the client makes a request, gets a response, then disconnects. The only way to get any updated information/files is through another request.


Chris.

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

So long, and thanks for all the fish.

 

[Sleidia]

Thanks Chris,

But by doing this, I would still need to save the CSS file after every change.

I really like the Web Developper plug-in but it doesn't manage indentation which is a big turn off for me.

A similar tool with indentation would be what I need, actually.

 

[BillyRayPreachersSon]

As someone who has edits a lot of HTML / CSS, I really don't think it's any big deal to switch to a browser and refresh - even if you do it many times a day.

Get used to keyboard shortcuts - they help a lot. For example, from my IDE, I do Alt-Tab then F5, or Alt-Tab then Ctrl-R to refresh any time I want to see an update. Another Alt-Tab and I'm back in my editor. It takes no time at all, and becomes second nature.

Dan



Coedit Limited - Delivering standards compliant, accessible web solutions

[tt]Dan's Page [blue]@[/blue] Code Couch

http://www.codecouch.com/dan/

[/tt]

 

[Sleidia]

Billy,

Getting used to it is easy.
But in the end, it's still a waste of time.

 

[BillyRayPreachersSon]

But in the end, it's still a waste of time.

Wow - your rate must be more than mine! Who do you work for? Do they have any nice contracts going in London? ;-)

Dan



Coedit Limited - Delivering standards compliant, accessible web solutions

[tt]Dan's Page [blue]@[/blue] Code Couch

http://www.codecouch.com/dan/

[/tt]

 

[PedalSteel]

> As someone who has edits a lot of HTML / CSS, I really don't think it's any big deal
> to switch to a browser and refresh - even if you do it many times a day.

I agree, Billy, but I notice that my usual text editor -- PSPad -- can display a formatted preview at the touch of a key. I never use that feature, but perhaps it's what Sleidia is looking for.

PSPad is an excellent free editor with great features and a responsive developer. Highly recommended.

See

http://www.pspad.com/en/

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[Sleidia]

I use PSPAD but the formatted preview isn't a viable option with dynamic websites (extensive use of includes, database etc..). If I edit the CSS file and hit the preview button, PSPAD won't know what page to display.

I think I'll wait until the Web Developper plug-in can manage indentation ... which might happen soon according to its developer.

The good thing with Web Developper is that you don't have to hit a single key for preview.

 

[PedalSteel]

> If I edit the CSS file and hit the preview button, PSPAD won't know what page to display.

Well of course not. How could it? It's a style file.

Keep some page code open in PSPad as well as the CSS file. Preview the page, not the style.

<rant>

I don't trust all-singing all-dancing WYSIWYG tools in any case, which is what I guess Web Developer might be. The danger is that they take away the need for skills while at the same time delivering sub-optimal results.

Like Windows, or Word, or IE. On the whole it's a Microsoft thing, but not exclusively. There's clearly a huge market for "good enough" cludges.

It may be expensive but it sure is crude.

Viva TeX.

</rant>

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[Sleidia]

...which is what I guess Web Developer might be.

You guessed wrong

 

[PedalSteel]

> You guessed wrong

My apologies, Sleidia. I now see that it's a Firefox extension, in other words anything but the Dark Side of the Force.

When I get time, I'll be taking a look at Web Developer. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

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[Sleidia]

No harm done

Since installation takes only a few seconds, you'd be crazy not to try it out RIGHT NOW