  Using a variational formulation for partial differential equations (PDEs)
combined with numerical simulations on ordinary differential equations (ODEs),
we find two categories (pulses and snakes) of dissipative solitons, and analyze
the dependence of both their shape and stability on the physical parameters of
the cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation (CGLE). In contrast to the regular
solitary waves investigated in numerous integrable and non-integrable systems
over the last three decades, these dissipative solitons are not stationary in
time. Rather, they are spatially confined pulse-type structures whose envelopes
exhibit complicated temporal dynamics. Numerical simulations reveal very
interesting bifurcations sequences as the parameters of the CGLE are varied.
Our predictions on the variation of the soliton amplitude, width, position,
speed and phase of the solutions using the variational formulation agree with
simulation results.
