Web design programs can be as simple as HTML (hypertext markup language) editors***See HTML editors***that generate basic HTML and allow for the organized editing of the code or as complicated as WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) Web design applications that allow developers to point and click drag and drop their way into a complete dynamic or static Web site with ease and efficiency.
Evolution
HTML editors Vs WYSIWYG Web design software is a topic that is debated fervently amongst the pros and novices of the Web design/development communities. Most Web design gurus argue that the best method is to personally key all code into a simple Note Pad, Word Pad, Text Pad application. Other gurus feel that an HTML editor that coordinates code according to type and usage along with the ability to make sweeping changes throughout multiple pages using advanced search and replace features makes HTML editors the best choice. However their is a camp (usually less experienced) that feels that WYSIWYG Web design applications give the Web author the ability to avoid the mundane and time consuming tasks of keying in repetitive code most of which has been written time and time again eliminating the need to reinvent the wheel. Each argument has it's points and neither camp has it's exclusive rights to the truth on the matter however, in the end it's up the developer to decide which program is right for them.
Advantages
One advantage of WYSIWYG Web authoring applications is the ability to pull together front and back-end development into one tightly choreographed routine of designing dynamics. Perhaps a developer is experienced in front-end design "graphics, text, layout" but inexperienced in back-end design "server-side scripts, database and spreadsheet Web implementation". Using a WYSIWYG Web application allows the developer to incorporate these back-end development functions without having to wait until they learn these valuable skills. The same works in reverse, if a back-end developer works on a solo project that requires front-end design skills, they may take advantage of the point and click, drag and drop power of the WYSIWYG interface to help their artistically challenge efforts.
However it's the generation of source code that is the pentacle stallion in the proverbial stable of the WYSIWYG Web editors. But it was exactly this that led many Web design purists to develop a dislikeing for WYSIWYG Web editors. This is due to the fact that early WYSIWYG Web editors generated sloppy code "many still do" and this causes syntax errors and incompatibility issues with various browser types. The Web is constantly changing and software has to be revised and updated to support new changes. Waiting for a software update as opposed to taking advantage of new Web offerings as they are made available may not be in the best interest of the developer. Therefore the ability to "hand-code" is still a highly valued skill that any Web developer should invest their time and efforts into learning.
Ultimately it's the reason that a developer develops that dictates which method they will prefer. Web developers who develop because they enjoy Web design usually are purists and will gravitate towards the most time honored and true methods for developing. Whereas, ePublisher, eCommerce entrepreneurs and other eOpportunists seeking to exploit the Webs opportunities are more interested in the end results of Web development and not the actual development itself.