Coda is a one window web developer’s dream. Basically, it’s a text editor, web browser, FTP client and more all in the convenience of one window with tabbed browsing. I like the interface just because as a web designer I often find that I have a ton of other apps like photoshop, illustrator, mail or whatnot open while I’m working, and now I don’t have to add Textmate, Transmit and Safari on top. It helps keep me organized. Also, for any fan’s of Panic’s Transmit FTP client, you’ll be glad to know it is built by the same folks, and with that the piece of mind that you know it’s a nice stable app with a sophisticated interface.
Coda also has some nice features for newer developers, like guides to common developing languages such as HTML, CSS, JS, and PHP as well as an advanced CSS editor, although I tend to steer clear of that section. I guess I’m a purist when it comes to writing my own CSS.
All in all, Coda is clean, well-designed and well-built web development tool. I really like it, although I can see how some more hardcore developers would like some of the advance features from an app like Textmate or Transmit. At the end of the day, Coda is still a bit watered down, so I would still encourage users to keep their old FTP clients around for times when they are in need of a more advanced FTP or to always test you projects in more commonly used browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Explorer. As far as the everyday though, Coda is a nice convenience to have around.
Levi says...
Nice to hear someone else expressing their appreciation for the app. In my opinion Coda is a must have for any web designer/developer. I made the switch from Dreamweaver a while ago, and haven’t looked back. Dreamweaver always seemed to be a bit of a resource hog, and quite frankly way more than I needed. Coda’s slick design and simplicity is what sold me.
Kevin John Gomez says...
As much as I love Coda, I have to admit Textmate has a leg up as far as a text editor goes, but Coda is the whole package. My only complaint with Coda is that sometimes the FTP client acts up.
Tyson Rosage says...
I’m with you Kevin on the Textmate being a leg up. The lack of SVN integration in Coda kills it in my eyes. That seemed pretty core for any serious developer who works with other developers on a project. However the image handling over ftp in Coda looks pretty sweet. To be honest as much as I respect Panic for making beautiful apps that we all prefer to use I’ve always thought that Transmit was really over rated. But then again its still the best ftp client on the mac. But that doesn’t mean its great. I have a huge list of complaints in that department. Sort folders first? Exception lists for hidden files? I guess no ftp app that I know of does that but that would earn their place. BTW love your portfolio. Just came across it tonight. Good stuff.