discussion about paros proxy

Hey there,
I was told that Paros Proxy is one of the best programmes for web application security assessment.
Because i am new to that area (web application security assessment), i haven't got a lot of knowledge about that.
So, i would like to tell me -if anyone can- the advantages or disadvantages that paros proxy has, among other programmes with the same task.

thanks for your help,
Kostas