TinyMCE 4.2.7

Overview

Not often you get the chance to review a program by editing the review in the exact same program, so here's one unique opportunity happening now, courtesy of TinyMCE editor.

TinyMCE is a free, open-source JavaScript HTML WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that offers a wide range of useful features for web developers. This software makes it easy to create quality webpages by integrating itself into other Content Management Systems and converting HTML TEXTAREA fields or other HTML elements to an editor instance.

Installation

As the name implies, this software is extremely compact, and therefore downloads and installs quickly and easily. The wizard-style setup guide is similar to that of most other Windows applications, providing an effortless installation process that even the most novice of software users can complete.

Interface

The user interface appears similar to that of Microsoft Word, with several roles of button icons lining the top of the main window. You can use the buttons to easily change font format, text size, color, and virtually every other aspect of the content. Once you've finished editing a page and you're ready to post to the Internet, you can quickly convert the content you've created to JavaScript/HTML and then paste the output into a content management system or web publishing application.

Pros

• Eliminates the need to learn programming by converting basic Word document-like content into clean and applicable JavaScript/HTML code. Simply set up the content in a way that is visually appealing to you, and then generate the code to be pasted onto your website

• Greatly enhances productivity and creativity by giving you a workstation in which you can express yourself without being limited by the restrictions of technical capabilities

• Can be seamlessly integrated with content management systems like WordPress and Joomla!, as well as any other type of open-source application, simply by inserting a few lines of code

• User interface can be customized through the use of various templates and plug-ins. You can also force attributes and block certain elements to create a desired outcome

• Compatible with all major web browsers, including Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Internet Explorer

• Gzip compressor technology, and a combination of PHP, JSP,.net, and ColdFusion programming make TinyMCE 75% more compact than its original size, thereby facilitating faster loading times

• Compatible with the AJAX programming language

• Available in multiple languages

• Open-source development structure makes it possible for anyone to enhance and extend functionality

Cons

• With so many editing and formatting options it can take quite a while to learn what every button icon does, as you have to hover over each one to find out its function

Alternatives

Given the compact size of TinyMCE and its extensive feature set, it is difficult to compete with. However, there are some other applications that facilitate text-to-HTML conversion, including Markdown, CKEditor, eIRTE, and WYMeditor.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easier way to create webpages without having to study JavaScript and HTML for months on end, TinyMCE provides a near-perfect solution that webmasters of all skill levels can appreciate. With a Microsoft Word like interface that gives you complete creative freedom, this software releases your content publishing inhibitions and gives you the ability to compete as a website owner without any advanced technical skills.