Open Source Alternative to Dreamweaver's .LBI?

An anonymous reader asks: "I have recently started using Dreamweaver to manage one of many websites that I work on. One feature that I am growing to love is the ability to use Dreamweaver library files (.LBI). What are Slashdot readers' opinions on this format? Is there something better (read: free and standards-compliant)? I also would like to find something I could use on an open-source platform so that I won't be locked in to using Dreamweaver. What do you use for your sites?"

Comments

Re:3 things

[itsari]

Any real self respecting geek writes the html and css in the raw. It's the only way.

Not only that, but it makes for better pages. The code is not bloated, and the layout is more optimized. Hand-coding websites also gives you a chance to find new ways of doing things instead of the same old tricks.

My design process includes Fireworks, also by Macromedia. My first step is drawing the page layout with all the images and menus. It's the easiest way to play around and find what looks just right. My next step is re-creating the page using minimal images, css, and xhtml. After it looks like the original images, I optimize the code and make sure the layout works in ALL browsers. I might also add in a step that includes javascript or server-side code if its necessary. This design process has served me very well.

As for the question, I've used Dreamweaver, but never liked the extra features. I use it as a file manager and syntax highlighter when I'm on Windows, that about all (except FTP). I find the best way to manage your site is to have it manageable by design. Descriptive file names, good directory structure, and organization. That way you wont be locked into any specific solution.

Re:3 things

[MadChicken]

Correction: "Any web developer worth his salt writes raw HTML and CSS"

CSS is the only way to keep your sanity when you're writing a lot of pages. And the best way to keep pages clean and maintainable is to do it in a plain text editor. (A smart one though, like jEdit)

Or do you have too much time on your hands to put accursed FONT tags around every morsel of the web page?

And yes, I do this professionally.

P.S. ...I couldn't say "in the raw" with a straight face. And may Eric forgive me for using bold tags.