Creating Datadriven pages in Macromedia Dreamweav

Creating Datadriven pages in Macromedia Dreamweaver MX

by: Kay Zetkin

With the Macromedia’s release of the new version of Dreamweaver, the Dreamweaver MX 2004, creating data – driven pages have several requirements before you can begin making them. Unlike Dreamweaver 4, a previous version of Dreamweaver, wherein you can just dive in and everything you need are there in the application already, Dreamweaver MX requires some bits and bobs that should be in order and set up your environment.

There are three things you need. Here are they:

1. A Web Server – now, don’t panic with this! You can run some free web server software in your computer, for development purposes. Yes, when we say it’s free, you won’t have to spend a dime on any more equipment and you won’t even have to learn much about it.

You need the a web server because Dreamweaver MX creates sites using five main technologies – these are the ASP, ASP.NET, JSP, PHP and ColdFusion. All these systems require processing of the pages which have to be done using a server. This is the main feature that makes Dreamweaver MX different from previous versions. For you to see your pages working, a server is needed to do the processing for you.

If you are a beginner, you might find it best to start working with ASP, since itกs the most common choice. There are also lots of people around whoกll know how to help you out once you get stuck. For ASP, the web server you need comes free with Windows but itกs not installed by default. If you have NT (with latest Service Packs), Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP Pro, then youกll have IIS (Internet Information Server) on your Windows CD. To add it, go to Add and Remove Programs.

Apache web server is on your machine if you’re running OS X. And if you’re on Mac, things can be more complicated but reachable still. You can use PHP as an advisable option in order to keep your costs low. But if you have plenty of budget to spare then, ColdFusion is best. Chili!Soft makes ASP servers for many different platforms, including Linux, in addition to the Microsoft servers.

Its good news if you already have a web server on your network. Still, if you want to run using JSP or ColdFusion, then you’ll need to set up the appropriate servers for those. Once you have a web server running, we have a method of viewing dynamic pages. Now we need to pay attention to the source of our data.

2: A Database – it’s very basic for you to need a database with information to put into your pages. A database can be a very simple CSV file, or a complex SQL Server database. But to generate a small database, it’s alright to use Microsoft Access. Remember that whatever system you use, you’ll need to know at least something about it. Lots of good books can help you with this.

3: A System Connection to Your Database – you need to set up a kind of ‘connection’ to your system so that the web server on your machine can relate with the database. This is just a definition of where the database is and a few simple rules on how it should be treated.

There are different ways of making connection but the easiest might be through defining a system DSN (Data Source Name). Make sure, though that you have a latest version of MDAC from Microsoft’s site. To get Dreamweaver MX working correctly with your system, you might need this.

That’s it folks! Prepare these things and make lots of Datadriven pages on Dreamweaver MX! 30

About The Author

Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teenager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.

For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints… To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to faroff imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the sociopolitical and historical ones.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.ucreative.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 25

by Kay Zetkin

Examining the Substance of Studio MX

Examining the Substance of Studio MX

by: Mart Gil Abareta

To all web designers out there, this article is for you! I guess you already heard about Studio MX (I think so!) – the ideal bundle for professional web designers, bringing together Dreamweaver MX for page design, Flash MX for animation and interactivity, and Fireworks MX for editing and optimizing graphics. With all these components, it certainly provides professional functionality for every aspect of web development.

I must say that the integration between the individual products is generally very good. It begins with the interface which uses common elements such as dockable, collapsible panels and a dynamic property inspector, so that you can switch comfortably between products. On a technical level, the key feature is roundtrip support. You can embed Fireworks graphics and Flash movies in Dreamweaver pages without losing any information, letting you later reopen an element in its original application with all its features intact. Also, in effect, the combination of Dreamweaver and ColdFusion provides an easy path into dynamic, Javabased web development.

Moreover, Flash MX also has potential as a rich client, with an interface driven by embedded JavaScript. Through a technology called Flash Remoting, Flash MX offers support for web services. The Studio MX bundle makes it relatively easy to set up ColdFusion to supply these services and for Flash to consume them. While it may seem strange to think of Flash as a rich client moving beyond the web page, it does make some sense when you consider that it is crossplatform and very widely deployed. In addition, ColdFusion itself can consume web services hosted on other platforms.

In addition, you can now take advantage of draganddrop visual tools and components, code libraries, and extensive code editing support for developing applications using HTML, XHTML, XML, ColdFusion, ASP, ASP.NET, JSP or PHP. Its integration with ColdFusion MX gives you a fast way to develop Internet applications that incorporate Macromedia Flash. Also, creating each element of the web production process such as developing graphics, laying out HTML pages, coding application logic, building rich user interfaces, and assembling complete solutions is really made easy in this all in one suite.

Indeed, Studio MX makes it easier to design and develop rich, interactive sites and Internet applications delivered across major platforms and devices with improvements to common tasks, a more consistent user interface, and deeper integration across the products. With it, you’re going to work in a familiar, customizable environment with consistent user interface elements, including color management, drawing tools, code editing, a common Property Inspector, and panel management, all making it easy to move between the applications.

Taking everything together, Studio MX is an essential development tool for every web designer.

About The Author

Mart Gil Abareta

Well, I must say that I am not a born writer. I didn’t acquire this gift hereditarily either. However, I’m an adventure book lover and used to read everything that I come across in the Internet that sounds interesting. I think, I only developed it through constant practice and exposure to numerous writing stuff. I was chosen to compete in press conferences that showcased my needsowelldeveloped writing skills. I became part of our school publication staff. I started as a news writer and photojournalist of the school paper. Soon, I was appointed editorinchief. It was during this time when I realized that I needed to be more efficient in writing because duty called for it. I should say that this event in my life opened me wholly to the wonderful world of writing.

With all these, I can’t say that I have mastered writing because of these writing experiences. I believe that this craft is also a continuous learning process. I’ve been working hard to become more efficient and competent in writing, most especially now that I’m working as an article/content writer for this company. I’m doing articles for printing companies, medical sites, legal sites, and many more.

For Comments and Questions about the article and for additional infoกs about creative designs log on to http://www.ucreative.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 06

by Mart Gil Abareta

New Features of Macromedia Flash MX

New Features of Macromedia Flash MX

by: Maricon Williams

In the times of yore, videos all over the web are quite disappointing. It is like delivering a mediocre performance to annoyed expectators. But then, a transition from the passé made a dramatic exposure. The release of Macromedia’s Flash MX marked a leap in the development of rich content productivity and stability of video across the Internet. It proves that these things can still be made superior and outstanding.

Video compression is one of the booming segments in the online industry. The outcome of fullscreen, fullmotion video all over the Net is improving everyday. This will gradually wreck the pessimism towards online media. I agree that productive media is the key to online advertising growth. I also believe that Macromedia Flash will turn out to be the industry’s spine to hold everything in order. Macromedia will not change the given fact in just a spur of the moment however, this will ultimately result in a richer user experience. The increasing demand for rich media will give way to the development of video codec algorithms which includes compression and decompression.

Flash’s greatest ability is to deliver animated images in a vector format. It means that the file size is not dependent on the image quality. Vectorization now becomes subordinate to the necessity to have rich and reliable content. Flash works with video by allowing developers to import a video file. Then the file is manipulated, scaled, rotated, skewed, masked and made interactive using scripting. Video format supported by QuickTime or Windows Media Player together with MPEG, DV (Digital Video), MOV (Quick Time), and AVI can be imported.

Macromedia took into consideration the flourishing wireless and handheld market. In fact, they are about to release a new 3G cell spectrum. Flash MX ships with templates for Nokia handsets and Pocket PC devices with other platforms that are soon to follow. The SDK comprises reference platforms for Windows CE, Windows 32 and even Linux. Flash support to electronic devices such as cell phones, PDAs, interactive TV systems, Internet appliances, game machines and inroom hotel entertainment system is also in the stage of brainstorming.

Macromedia acknowledges the ability of designers and developers to gain additional market opportunities in the near future by delivering Flash content for Internetenabled devices. The company’s vision to define the user experience on platforms through lightweight content and flexible format that can adapt to smaller screens without sacrificing functionality is now very much accessible.

About The Author

Maricon Williams

I love reading. Give me a book and Iกll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. Iกm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mineกs less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, it’s more than enough.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.ucreative.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on March 08

by Maricon Williams

Flash MX Invades The Internet

Flash MX Invades The Internet

by: Maricon Williams

A large factor that contributed to the rich multimedia nature of the Internet is the Flash MX. It allows website designers add and flaunt their designs. Instead of the plain coding of the HTML, Flash allows a person to add colorful animation and brief interactive movie clips.

If you have the media player built into Flash, you can download the latest version free. It means that you will no longer need extra players like RealNetwork’s RealPlayer or Microsoft’s Windows Media Player.

Flash dominates the space. It has already become the standard for the rich user interface. In fact, big companies are users of Flash MX. To name a few, they are Sony, IBM, soundsystem maker Bose and several hotel groups. Flash MX was also used to make the website for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. It was also used in an IBM demo specifying the use of its WebSphere software. It swiftly shows just how easy Flash explains online. Sony Classical, on the other hand, used the same program for a rich, multimedia teaser about its artists.

Flash MX has truly gone too far and Macromedia is still aiming higher. It has recently announced that Flash MX would also be available for Nokia 9200 series. It will be one of the first in a range of powerful cell phones. Flash MX also has the ability to create media using a clever set of templates for the Microsoftpowered Pocket PC handhelds. These major devices can create a major turn in growth of modern technology. In addition, it is not only userfriendly but the compression of video and sound into a Flash can lead to nonexhaustive download. Thus, it can be saved into a smaller format and more compact attachments.

Flash MX is a hallmark of a userfriendly construction of Another Macromedia product which is the Dreamweaver. The latter is a WYSIWYG design program which eventually set a standard in a field that includes Microsoft’s FrontPage. These kinds of programs allow you to design a web page but it’s as easy as using Word or Quark. It allows you to change fonts, their sizes and the likes. It does the entire HTML coding in the background. Macromedia is also working on designs for more serverbased applications that will run on its ColdFusion and JRun server technologies.

With just a quick download of a Flash file, you can now enjoy music and videos and even order the CD online. The site actually is bombarded with massive hike in unique users who are purchasing more music online. It’s like holding in your hand all your needs and wants.

Flash MX interface is clearly superior and sophisticated. You can do ecommerce and gaming applications online at the same time. That’s what change is all about. Flash MX has changed not only the users experience but that of designers as well.

About The Author

Maricon Williams

Book reading has always been her greatest passion mysteries, horrors, psychothrillers, historical documentaries and classics. She got hooked into it way back when she was but a shy kid.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.ucreative.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on March 03

by Maricon Williams

Macromedia Dreamweaver MX Snippet: Create It and U

Macromedia Dreamweaver MX Snippet: Create It and Use It!

by: Kay Zetkin

The Macromedia Dreamweaver MX have these powerful new addition to its toolset – introducing, Snippets! Do you often use blocks of code? Well, snippets make it easy to save it or put it over the same conversion on a block already written on your page. It also allows you to save and reuse chunks of code over and over. Snippets save you time and effort in maintaining a large Web site. You can use snippets to store things like:

Headers and footers

Logos

Scripts

In this tutorial, you will get to know how to create snippets and use them to your heart’s content! Creating snippets are not that difficult and would take only at least 5 minutes of your time to do…

Of course, you need to have the Macromedia Dreamweaver MX downloaded and ready on your PC and then, let’s start creating snippets! Here’s how…

Upon opening Dreamweaver MX, click ขSnippetsข in the Window menu. You can also access it by holding down the shift key and press F9 (ShiftF9). A number of useful snippets are already preinstalled in Dreamweaver. Then, highlight the text or code you wish to turn into a snippet and click on the New Snippet icon below the snippets window. This icon looks like a file with a plus sign. Assign a title to your chosen snippet, plus, provide it with a concise description.

Depending on what you prefer, if the snippet is to wrap around text on the page, choose กWrap selectionก and if you want a single block, choose กInsert Blockก. Then, add the code for the snippet, if you did not have any code highlighted. Whether you prefer it, you could also choose how you want the preview in the snippet pane to display – either as code or design. Lastly, click OK and you’re all done.

It would be very useful for you to check out the preinstalled snippets. There may be one or two there that can help you in managing your site!

Then, if you’re wondering how to use your newly created snippet, here’s a guide on how to use it: 1. Open the snippets tab through the same procedure given above, then click in the page where you want the snippet to be placed, in whatever view you prefer it: code or design; 2. Navigate to the snippet you want in the folders and doubleclick on the snippet to add it to your page.

It’s as simple as you’ve read it…So start creating your snippets now, and put them to good use! 30

About The Author

Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teenager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.

For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints… To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to faroff imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the sociopolitical and historical ones.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.ucreative.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 25

by Kay Zetkin

How to Manage Your Extension through Dreamweaver M

How to Manage Your Extension through Dreamweaver MX

by: Kay Zetkin

The latest version of Macromedia Dreamweaver, Dreamweaver MX works with a standalone program that is a wonderful assistant in managing your file extension. Macromedia Dreamweaver MX offers extensions to improve the functionality and scope of Dreamweaver. This program is the extension manager that can be relied upon to install and remove your file extensions. Through this program, you can turn your extensions on and turn them off, as you please. Plus, true to Dreamweaver’s integrated capabilities, the extension manager program works well with Flash and Fireworks to manage their extensions as well.

If you haven’t got any idea on how to manage your extensions through Dreamweaver MX, then, after going over these simple steps, you will find out how reliable and easy it is:

First, open the Extension Manager. Do this by going to the กCommandsก menu and choosing กManage Extensions…ก

Second, if you haven’t gotten around to downloading the extension or extensions you want to install, then start downloading them before we go another step further.

Third, since the Extension Manager handle extensions for several programs, as mentioned above, you must make sure that Dreamweaver MX is displayed in the dropdown menu.

After checking out the dropdown menu, go to the กFileก menu and choose กInstall extensionก. This command will open a standard file selector box. Once opened, browse to the file you downloaded and click กInstallก. A disclaimer announcement will appear before you. Be sure to read it and that there are no unexpected requirements for use of the extension, since some extensions happen to have these. After reading, click กAcceptก. And lastly, click กOKก and close and restart Dreamweaver.

If you don’t like to go through all these process we gave you above, you can skip them and install the extension by double clicking on it after you download. You can also import extensions from Dreamweaver 4 into Dreamweaver MX, but not all Dreamweaver 4 extensions will work in MX. There are important points to remember in installing your extension, though, whenever you install quite a large number of extensions, optimal function of Dreamweaver can slow down. Thus, always make sure that you disable extensions you don’t necessarily need.

It’s very easy to disable your extension: first, open the Extension Manager by going to the กCommandsก menu and choosing กManage Extensions…ก Then highlight the extension you want to disable and uncheck them by clicking on the check box next to the extension. Always remember that you may need to restart Dreamweaver to fully disable extensions. If you want to reenable the extensions, just go to the same process. Make sure that the กOn/Offก check box is checked. 30

About The Author

Kay Zetkin discovered the pleasure of writing through her daily journals as a teenager. Writing in it helped sort out her thoughts, relieve her feelings and record what she observes of the world.

For her, writing is an effective tool to express your viewpoints… To write is already to choose, thus, writing should be done along with a critical mind and a caring soul. She hopes to become more professional, skilled and mature in her craft.

Aside from writing Kay likes to spend her time reading. Reading lets her travel to faroff imagined places and situations. She also learns a lot from books, especially from the sociopolitical and historical ones.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.ucreative.com

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 25

by Kay Zetkin