Free HTML Editor Types

Whether you realize it or not you actually have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a good, free HTML Editor. There are a variety of programs available on the internet. However, not all programs offer the same features or capabilities, nor are they all the same level of "free." There are three types of free HTML editor software you need to be on the look for. I will explain the three types below as well as give you an example of each.

The first type of Free HTML Editor; is simple, basic "freeware." This is possibly one of the oldest types of software in existence. With freeware, the code is copyrighted material in most cases but the program is offered free without charge with little or no strings attached. In some cases a fee may be required of those who use the program in a corporate setting or for a more advanced version with features not contained in the free version. Freeware can usually be shared with friends legally, but code may code used in the program may not be copied into another program without the author's permission. One example of a freeware HTML editor is Arachnophilia. The author of this program calls his license "CareWare" and asks only that you "stop whining," at least for a short period of time, if you use this program. However the program is freeware in that there is no method in place to actually enforce this deal.

The second type of Free HTML Editor is open source. Open source differs from freeware in that it that the code of an open source program may be copied or modified freely with the only stipulation that credit must be made to made to the original program developers as well as that all derivative works must be made available under the same open source license. There are multiple open source licenses in common usage, though the GNU General Public License is probably the most widespread. Examples of this type of free HTML editors include Bluefish and Eclipse HTML Editor.

The last type of free HTML Editor is probably the least sought after. These are free copyrighted programs supported by ads built into the software. Commonly called "adware" derisively, an example of this type of program is "Alien HTML Editor" by Alien Creation Studios, which displays banner ads and other types of commercials during its operation.