book

Macromedia® Dreamweaver® MX 2004 Demystified

by Laura Gutman

November 2003

Beginner to intermediate

1272 pages

26h 21m

English

Adobe Press

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Acknowledgments
What (and Whom) This Book Is ForDreamweaver in the Larger Scheme of ThingsDreamweaver in the Real WorldNew FeaturesHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: Web Page Construction with DreamweaverPart II: Designing with DreamweaverPart III: Interactivity, DHTML, and MultimediaPart IV: Site Management with DreamweaverPart V: Dreamweaver and Live DataPart VI: Dreamweaver Under the HoodHow to Use This BookBook ConventionsWhat to Take Away from This Book
The Things You’ll Never See......And Something You Will!General Interface ImprovementsInsert Bar Categories and Object GroupsIntegrated Site Panel (Macintosh)Document-Specific Toolbars (Windows)Tag InspectorStreamlined Window MenuDocument-Editing ImprovementsBetter Table EditingBetter Integrated Document ValidationIntegrated Graphics HandlingCSS ImprovementsCSS IntegrationImproved CSS2 SupportCode-Writing ImprovementsSite-Management ImprovementsDynamic Data ImprovementsSummary
Choosing a Workspace (Windows)Comparing WorkspacesChanging WorkspacesThe Start PagePlaying with PanelsPanels and Panel GroupsShowing and HidingDocking and UndockingGrouping and RegroupingThe Insert Bar and Property InspectorUsing the Document WindowDocking and Undocking (Windows Only)Viewing DocumentsWorking with Code, Working with DesignLive Data ViewStatus BarWindow SizeDocument Size/Download Time IndicatorTag SelectorToolbarsStandard ToolbarDocument ToolbarGetting HelpGeneral Assistance: The Reference PanelDreamweaver AssistanceSummary
The Basics of Creating DocumentsNew Document Dialog BoxTypes of Document to CreateStationeryXHTML ComplianceNew Document PreferencesWorking Smart with Documents in DreamweaverChecking Page ValidityValidating Document MarkupDetermining Validation SettingsValidating XMLChecking Against Target BrowsersAutomatic CheckingManual CheckingDetermining Which Browsers to Check ForMaking Your Pages AccessibleAccessibility StandardsDreamweaver Accessibility OptionsChecking AccessibilitySummary
Text BasicsText in the BrowserText in DreamweaverWorking Smart: Bringing in Text from Other ProgramsThe Ins and Outs of Copying and PastingThe Paste CommandThe Paste HTML CommandCopying vs. Copying HTMLGetting Text (and More) from Word and ExcelCopying and PastingText FormattingImporting Word and Excel Documents (Windows Only)Working with Word HTMLGetting Ready in WordCleaning Up in DreamweaverTabular DataWorking Smart: Creating Text StructureWell-Structured Text: Making Text AccessibleUsing Dreamweaver to Create Well-Structured TextLet Dreamweaver Substitute em and strong for b and iDon’t Use Indent and Outdent ImproperlyUse All Tags According to Their Structure, Not Their AppearanceFixing Badly Structured TextRemoving font TagsReplacing Bold and Italic with Strong and EmphasisStripping Out Multiply Indented ListsLine Breaks, Nonbreaking Spaces, and WhitespaceLine Breaks: The Good and the BadSoft-Wrapping WoesSoft-Wrapping and StructureNonbreaking SpacesMaking Whitespace with Empty ParagraphsAll About ListsRefining List Appearance with List TypesFancier Bullets with CSSTaking Advantage of Special CharactersInserting Special Characters As You WorkFinding and Replacing to Insert Special CharactersLorem Ipsum and Other Bits of GreekCheck Spelling: Build (and Share) Your Own Personal DictionaryEdit Your Personal DictionaryShare Your Personal DictionarySummary

Image BasicsImages in the BrowserImages in DreamweaverInserting ImagesWorking with ImagesResizing ImagesAligning ImagesEditing ImagesWorking Smart with ImagesMaking Your Images AccessibleMaking Images Accessible in DreamweaverBefore the Fact: Set Accessibility OptionsAfter the Fact: Property Inspector, Tag Inspector, Edit Tag CommandIntegrated Image EditingCropping ImagesAdjusting Brightness and ContrastAdjusting SharpnessResampling ImagesImages As BackgroundsTiled Image Backgrounds the Old-Fashioned WayImage Backgrounds with CSSCreative Background EffectsUse Vertical Tiling to Create Sidebar GraphicsPut Colored Tables in Front of WallpaperMix and Match to Create Efficient, Flexible Image EffectsImages and Page StructureSingle-Pixel GIFsCreating Single-Pixel GIFsSingle-Pixel GIFs in HTMLUsing Single-Pixel GIFs in DreamweaverSliced Image TablesOne Cell, Multiple ImagesImage Padding vs. SpacersReuse, Resize, ReplaceIncorporate Background ElementsRespect the Table StructurePositioning Images with CSS-PLowsrc: Your Low-Bandwidth FriendBlocking Out Layouts with Image PlaceholdersInserting Image PlaceholdersWorking with Image PlaceholdersDreamweaver/Fireworks IntegrationInsert Fireworks HTMLLaunch-and-EditOn-the-Fly OptimizingVisit the Exchange: Fireworks Integration ExtensionsInstaGraphics Extensions for Dreamweaver MX 2004Web Photo Album 2.1 for Dreamweaver MX (Macromedia)Summary
The Basics of LinksHow Links Work in the BrowserAbsolute vs. Relative PathsTargetsLinks in DreamweaverAssigning Absolute LinksAssigning Relative LinksDocument-Relative vs. Root-Relative Links in DreamweaverEmail LinksNavigation Methods and ToolsNamed AnchorsHow Named Anchors WorkCreating Named AnchorsLinking to Named AnchorsImage MapsHow Image Maps WorkCreating an Image MapWorking with HotspotsJump MenusCreating a Jump Menu in DreamweaverJump Menu CodeTo Go or Not to GoUsing Jump Menus with Frames and Multiple WindowsEditing a Jump MenuThe Jump Menu Property InspectorThe Jump Menu BehaviorPlaying with Go ButtonsRolloversCreating a Rollover in DreamweaverPreloading and RolloversEditing Rollover ImagesNavigation BarsCreating a Navigation BarEditing a Navigation BarWorking Smart with LinksMaking Your Links AccessibleSpecial Requirements for Image MapsDressing Up Your Links with CSSLinked ImagesLinked TextUsing the CSS Styles Panel to Control Link AppearanceUsing Page Properties to Control Link AppearanceAssigning Link Colors Without CSSSetting URL ParametersAdding URL Parameters to Links in DreamweaverUsing JavaScript to Process URL ParametersSpiffing Up Email Links with ParametersUsing Links for JavaScriptNull Links and BehaviorsEntering JavaScript into the HREFSummary
The Basics of Head ContentHow Head Content Works in the BrowserHow Head Content Works in DreamweaverViewing and Editing Head ContentAdding Head ContentWorking Smart with meta TagsHow meta Tags Store InformationThe Character-Encoding meta Tagmeta Tags and the Generic Meta ObjectMeta Keywords and DescriptionsMaximizing SearchabilityLimiting Searchabilitymeta refreshThe Meta Refresh ObjectTips for RefreshingWorking with Other Head ContentBase Tags and the Base ObjectBase Tags and Absolute URLsBase Tags and Link TargetsUsing the Base Tag in DreamweaverLink Tags and the Link ObjectSummary
Table BasicsTables in the BrowserTables in DreamweaverTable Interface ChoicesChoosing a Table ModeTable-Viewing AidsInserting TablesSelecting TablesSelecting from Within the Document WindowSelecting with the Tag SelectorKeyboard Navigation and SelectionSetting Table PropertiesChanging Table Size and StructureSetting (and Removing) DimensionsAdding and Removing Rows and ColumnsMerging and Splitting CellsWorking Smart with TablesControlling Table DimensionsDon’t Use Dimensions Unless You Have ToUse Control Rows and Columns When NecessaryUsing Flexible Widths SensiblyMaking Your Tables AccessibleAccessibility for Data TablesCaption and SummaryAccessibility for Layout TablesMaking Tables Accessible in DreamweaverHeader Cells and the scope AttributeCaptions and SummariesCSS and Your TablesApplying CSS to TablesCSS Properties and Table FormattingBorder EffectsBackground Colors and ImagesWidth and Cell PaddingAligning Cell ContentsUsing Tables for Page LayoutWhat’s Your Working Strategy?Layout Tables and Layout ModeGetting Around in Layout ModeDrawing Layout TablesDrawing Layout CellsManipulating Table Structure in Layout ModeUsing the Layout Mode Property InspectorsAutostretch Tables and How They WorkThe Coding Behind Layout ModeWorking Smart with Layout ModeSummary
Form BasicsForm-Processing ScriptsThe HTML Behind FormsHow Forms Work in DreamweaverWorking Smart with FormsMaking Your Forms AccessibleBefore the Fact: Set Accessibility OptionsWorking with tabindex and accesskeyForget About accesskeyApply tabindex Only as NeededUse Nonconsecutive tabindex ValuesWorking with LabelsFormatting FormsForm Layout with TablesForm Formatting with CSSUsing Images as ButtonsThe Ins and Outs of Form ProcessingUnderstanding the action AttributeClient-Side Form Processing with the Set Text of Text Field and Change Property BehaviorsForm Validation with the Validate Form BehaviorSummary
Frame BasicsFrames in the BrowserFrames in DreamweaverCreating FramesWorking with FramesLinking to FramesWorking Smart with FramesMaking Your Frames AccessibleMaking Frames Accessible in DreamweaverBefore the Fact: Set Accessibility OptionsAfter the Fact: Tweak Existing FramesetsMaking Your Frames SearchableWorking with noframes Content in DreamweaverWhat to Include in noframes ContentNavigating Within FramesChanging Multiple Frames at OnceNavigating to Specific Pages Within FramesetsHow It WorksMake It a Snippet!What About the Exchange?Allowing Visitors to Bookmark PagesKeeping Pages in FramesQuick and Easy: Navigation FooterQuick Navigation Footers with SnippetsMake Your Footer into a Library ItemAdd Some Scripting: Conditional Footer InformationVisit the ExchangeFrame-Jamming ScriptsDo-It-Yourself Jamming with loadPage()Visit the Exchange: Frame-Jamming ExtensionsGetting Out of FramesFrame BustingDo-It-Yourself Frame BusterVisit the Exchange: Frame-Busting ExtensionsPrint-Friendly PagesCreative Graphic Effects with FramesLetterbox FramesetsDo-It-Yourself Letterbox FramesetVisit the Exchange: Letterbox Frameset ExtensionsSplitting Background Graphics Across FramesThe World of IframesIframes in DreamweaverCreating IframesWorking with Iframe PropertiesVisit the Exchange: Iframe ExtensionsSummary
CSS BasicsA Little History LessonPresentational Markup and Its ProblemsThis Is a Job for CSSThe Nuts and Bolts of CSSAnatomy of a StyleCSS SelectorsContextual SelectorsClassesPseudoclassesStyles and Style Sheets, and Where They’re KeptInline StylesInternal Style SheetsExternal Style SheetsCascading and InheritanceCSS in DreamweaverCreating a New StyleDefining Style ParametersTypeBackgroundBlockBoxBorderListPositioningExtensionsWorking with StylesApplying (and Unapplying) StylesManaging Styles with the CSS Styles Panel (and Elsewhere)Inspecting StylesInspecting Styles with the Property InspectorApplied Classes and the Tag SelectorThe Tag Inspector/CSS Rule InspectorWorking with Style SheetsAttaching Style SheetsWorking with External Style SheetsRemoving Style SheetsExporting Style SheetsCreating a Style Sheet from ScratchWorking Smart with CSSSpecifying Fonts in HTML (and CSS)HTML, Fonts, and BrowsersFont Lists in DreamweaverSpecifying Dimensions in CSSCSS and AccessibilityGetting Specific with Contextual SelectorsCreating Multiple Link Styles for a PageQuick Styling of Table CellsWorking with Multiple Style Sheets at OnceUsing Internal and External Style Sheets TogetherUsing Multiple External Style SheetsOrder Matters!How It All Works in DreamweaverUsing Linked and Imported Style Sheets to Create a Netscape 4–Friendly SiteSummary
Layer BasicsCSS-P and Layers in the BrowserHow CSS Positioning WorksPositioning TypesPositioning and NestingApplying Positioning to Page ElementsUsing div and span as Page Elements for PositioningHow Layers Work in DreamweaverDrawing and Inserting LayersWorking with Layer PropertiesInvisible Elements: Layer MarkersManaging Layers with the Layers PanelDesigning with Layers in Design ViewSelecting LayersNaming LayersInserting Content into LayersDrag-Resizing LayersMoving Layers AroundAligning LayersMatching Layer SizesNesting LayersWorking Smart with LayersLayers As Styled ObjectsCreating Layers Through CSSApplying the Positioning Style to an Existing Page ElementCreating a div Element to Hold the StyleWorking with CSS-Styled LayersBrowser Support for Your LayersGracefully DegradingThe Netscape 4 ProblemThe Netscape 4 Resize Problem and FixCreating a Netscape-Only VersionSummary
Basics of BehaviorsHow Behaviors Work: JavaScript and HTMLWhat is JavaScript?Working with Events and ActionsWorking with Behaviors in DreamweaverChoosing Where to Attach a BehaviorImages and LinksForm ElementsThe Page BodyAttaching the BehaviorChoosing Event HandlersInspecting and Editing BehaviorsWorking Smart with BehaviorsThe Ins and Outs of Selecting Linked ImagesTargeting Multiple Audiences: The Check Browser BehaviorTiny Bits of Hand-Coding: The Call JavaScript BehaviorOpening New Browser Windows: Beyond the Simple Pop-UpWindow Size IssuesWindow PlacementClosing the New WindowCreating a Controller WindowAdvanced Image Swapping: Disjoint RolloversSwap Image and Disjoint RolloversCreating a Disjoint RolloverPerforming Multiple Image SwapsSwap Image and the Different Event HandlersCascading Menus the Easy Way: The Show Pop-Up Menu BehaviorEfficiency Enhancer: Externalizing Your Behavior CodeThinking Outside the Box: Hijacking Function CallsSummary
Dynamic HTML Basics: Layers and Scripting in the BrowserAbout the DOMDOM IncompatibilityDreamweaver’s DHTML Authoring StrategyControlling Layer VisibilityThe Basics of Showing and Hiding LayersSetting Visibility vs. Changing VisibilityShowing, Hiding, and DefaultChoosing Not to Show or Hide a Particular LayerWorking with Invisible LayersWorking Smart with the Show-Hide BehaviorDownloading and Invisible LayersTriggering JavaScript Actions Within Invisible LayersMedia Objects in Invisible LayersControlling Layer ContentsThe Basics of Setting Layer TextWorking Smart with Set Text of LayerSetting More Than TextWatch Those QuotesAvoid Hand-CodingDon’t Include Media ObjectsUsing CSS Layer Styles to Format TextSet Text of Layer or Show-Hide Layers?Dragging and Dropping LayersThe Basics of Dragging and DroppingDraggability OptionsConstraining the Drag AreaAssigning a Drop Target (and Snapping to It)Specifying a Drag HandleChanging the Z-IndexTriggering Actions with Drag and DropCalling JavaScripts from the Drag Layer BehaviorUsing Drag Layer to Trigger Another BehaviorControlling Other Layer PropertiesUsing the Change Property BehaviorChange Property and Browser CompatibilityControlling Netscape LayersDoubling Up for Multiple BrowsersSummary
Extending the Browser with Plug-Ins and ActiveXHow Plug-In Media Works in the BrowserMIME Types, Plug-Ins, and Helper ApplicationsNetscape Plug-Ins vs. ActiveX ObjectsHow Plug-In Media Works in DreamweaverAccessing Plug-In–Specific ParametersPlaying Embedded ContentPlaying ActiveX ContentWorking with Specific Plug-InsShockwaveQuickTimeInserting a QuickTime ObjectPassing Parameters to QuickTimeWindows MediaInserting Windows Media ObjectsPassing Parameters to Windows Media ObjectsInserting a Shockwave ObjectPassing Parameters to a Shockwave ObjectAdding Sound to Web PagesTargeted vs. Untargeted Media PlacementWorking with Untargeted MediaActiveX or Plug-In?Dealing with ControllersOverloading the ParametersScripting Plug-In MediaHow Media Scripting Works—and Why It Doesn’t Always WorkControlling Specific Plug-InsControlling Audio: The Play Sound BehaviorPlug-In DetectionScripted Detection with the Check Plug-In BehaviorLimitations of Scripted DetectionExtending the Browser with JavaHow Java Works in the BrowserThe Nature of JavaJava IssuesJava and MediaWorking with AppletsClass FilesMedia FilesObtaining Java AppletsWorking with Applets in DreamweaverInserting an AppletSummary
How Flash Works in the BrowserHow Flash Works in DreamweaverWorking Smart with Flash ParametersDimensionsScaleScale Align (salign)QualityWindow Mode (wmode)Working Smart with Dreamweaver/Flash IntegrationFlash Launch-and-EditCloaking Your FLAsUpdating Links in SWF FilesWorking with Full-Screen Flash PagesDreamweaver’s Job: Create the HTML FrameworkFlash’s Job: Create Interactivity and LinksFlash and JavaScriptScripting In: Using JavaScript to Control FlashScripting Within Dreamweaver: The Control Shockwave or Flash BehaviorScripting Out: Using Flash to Send JavaScript InstructionsFlash Text and Flash ButtonsHow Dreamweaver Creates SWF FilesCreating and Inserting Flash ObjectsButton Style (Flash Button Object Only)Text and Typestyle (Button and Text Objects)Link and Target Information (Button and Text Objects)Background Color (Button and Text Objects)Previewing Your Work (Button and Text Objects)Working with Flash ObjectsEditingUndoingResizingDuplicatingUsing Flash Objects to Trigger JavaScript CommandsFlash ElementsSummary
How Dreamweaver Handles Local SitesDefining a Local SiteManaging SitesWorking in the Site PanelExpanding and Contracting the Site PanelSite Files ViewWorking with the File View ColumnsSite Map ViewDesignating a Home PageViewing a Site with the Site MapIcons, Names, and File TypesWhat Shows and What Doesn’tShowing the HierarchyModifying the Site Map Home PageCustomizing Site Map LayoutCreating an Image from the Site MapFile and Link Management Within a SiteManaging Files and FoldersOpening FilesCreating Files and FoldersRenaming and Rearranging Files and FoldersManaging LinksCreating Links with Point to FilePoint to File from Within a FilePoint to File from the Site MapCreating Links with Menu Commands and the Site MapLinking to an Existing File with the Site Map View MenuLinking to a New (Nonexistent) File with the Site Map View MenuChanging LinksThe Change Link CommandThe Change Links Sitewide CommandChecking and Repairing LinksChecking LinksFixing LinksAssets Management with the Assets PanelInserting AssetsInserting Media Elements from the Assets PanelInserting URLs from the Assets PanelInserting Color AssetsYour Favorite AssetsViewing and Working with Your Favorite AssetsGrouping Your Favorite AssetsCustomizing the Assets PanelUsing Assets Throughout Your SiteEditing Your AssetsCreating New AssetsWorking Without a SiteSummary
How Dreamweaver Works with Remote SitesDefining a Remote Site in DreamweaverSpecifying No ConnectionFTPLocal/NetworkSourceSafe Database, RDS, and WebDAVWorking with a Remote SiteViewing Remote Information in the Site PanelConnecting and DisconnectingGetting and PuttingKeeping Local and Remote Sites SynchronizedSelect Newer Local/Remote FilesSelect Newer LocalSelect Newer RemoteThe Synchronize CommandCloakingDisabling and Enabling CloakingCloaking Files and FoldersUncloakingWorking Without a Site: Defining Remote ConnectionsSummary
Challenges of Working in a Design TeamTechnicalInterpersonalSharing Site InformationUsing Design Notes for Improved WorkflowHow Design Notes WorkEnabling Design Notes for a SiteWorking with Design NotesAccessing NotesCreating, Editing, and Deleting NotesSetting Document StatusAdding CommentsAdding Other InformationViewing Design Notes in the Site PanelVersion ControlServer-Based Version ControlVisual SourceSafe IntegrationWebDAV IntegrationVersion Control Using Check In/Check OutConfiguring the Check In/Check Out SystemCheck In/Check Out in the Site PanelChecking Files in and OutTips for Working with Check In/Check Out“Undoing” File CheckoutRemembering to Check InUnlocking Checked-In FilesWhen to Use Check In/Check OutCreating Project Workflow ReportsDesign Notes ReportsReports on Checked-Out FilesDreamweaver and ContributeSummary
Working with TemplatesTemplate BasicsWhat Templates Are and Where They LiveCreating TemplatesMaking Regions EditableWorking with Child PagesWorking with Template PagesUploading and TemplatesBeyond the Basics with TemplatesOptional RegionsCreating Optional Regions in TemplatesUsing Optional Regions in Child PagesMaking Optional Regions EditableEditable AttributesCreating Editable Attributes in TemplatesUsing Editable Attributes in Child PagesRepeating RegionsCreating Repeating Regions in TemplatesUsing Repeating Regions in Child PagesRepeating TablesNested TemplatesCreating a Nested TemplateEditable Regions and Nested TemplatesTemplate Parameters in Nested TemplatesWorking Smart: Using the Template LanguageOpening and Closing TagsParameters and ExpressionsDefining Template ParametersUsing Parameters in ExpressionsPassthrough ParametersConditional Statements and Optional RegionsConditional SyntaxThe Code Behind Optional RegionsMultipleIf StatementsShorthand Conditional CodeAdvanced Coding for Repeating RegionsSnippetizing Your Template CodeWorking with Library ItemsLibrary BasicsCreating Library ItemsLibrary Items in DocumentsUpdating Library ItemsUploading Library ItemsWorking Smart with Library ItemsLibrary Items and Templates TogetherThe Joys of Incompleteness: JavaScript, CSS, Image Maps, and Other Tricky Library Item ContentCSS and Library ItemsJavaScript Behaviors and Library ItemsImage Maps and Library ItemsWhen a Library Item Should Be a Server-Side IncludeHow Server-Side Includes Work in HTMLUsing Server-Side Includes in DreamweaverPreviewing Server-Side IncludesSummary
Basics of Dynamic SitesHow Static Web Pages WorkHow Dynamic Web Pages WorkServer-Side Includes (SSIs)CGI-Scripted DocumentsApplication Servers and Database ConnectivityWho’s Who and What’s What in the World of Dynamic DataThe Server OS and HTTP Server SoftwareApacheInternet Information ServerThe DatabaseHierarchical Data StorageRelational DatabasesQueries and SQL StatementsDrivers (ODBC and JDBC)Standard DBMS ProgramsThe Application Server (Middleware)ColdFusionPHPASP/ASP.NETJSPSetting Up Your Workstation for Dynamic DevelopmentSetting Up for Online DevelopmentThe Remote Computer’s HTTP Address (URL)Read/Write Access to the Shared Web FolderCorrect Setup on the Remote ComputerSetting Up for Offline DevelopmentSetting Up the HTTP ServerInstalling IISInstalling ApacheServing Pages LocallySetting Up the Application ServerSetting Up PHPSetting Up ColdFusionUsing ColdFusion as Your HTTP ServerAdministering ColdFusion ServerSetting Up ASP.NETDatabasesSetting Up Microsoft AccessSetting Up MySQLSetting Up DriversColdFusionPHP and DriversASP.NET and DSNsHow Dynamic Sites Work in DreamweaverLive Data Preview and the Testing ServerPreviewing in the BrowserPreviewing in the Document WindowSetting Up a Dynamic SiteConnecting to a DatabaseColdFusionPHP MySQLASP.NETSummary
Collecting Dynamic DataThe Basics of RecordsetsGetting More Sophisticated with Your RecordsetsSortingFilteringCreating Advanced Recordsets with SQLCollecting Distinct RecordsPutting Dynamic Elements in Your PagesDynamic Text ElementsInserting Dynamic TextDynamic Text in the DocumentSetting Dynamic PropertiesDynamic Properties and the Selection InspectorDynamic ImagesInserting Dynamic ImagesWorking Smart: Partial URLsWorking Smart: Dynamic Alt LabelsDynamic Data and FormsDynamic List/MenuWorking Smart: Grouping Records for List DisplayDynamic Check BoxDynamic Radio ButtonDynamic Text FieldRepeating ContentRepeating RegionsDynamic TablesTesting and TroubleshootingPaging Through Repeated RegionsRecordset Paging ObjectsRecordset Count ObjectsConditional ContentDisplaying or Hiding Content If a Recordset Is EmptyDisplaying or Hiding Content Based on Recordset PagingTesting and Troubleshooting Conditional ContentCommon Dynamic TasksCreating a Catalog PageCreate a RecordsetCreate and Format Dynamic TextPreview the PageAdd a Dynamic ImageAdd a Dynamic Alt LabelAdd a Repeating Region to Display Multiple RecordsAdd a Recordset Navigation BarAdd a Recordset Navigation Status IndicatorCreating a Search PageSet Up a Dynamic List/MenuCall the Results PageCreate the Results PageRefine the Results PageCreating a Catalog Update PageCreate a Recordset of CustomersInsert a Record into the RecordsetTest the Registration ProcessSummary
Dynamic TemplatesCreating Dynamic TemplatesHow Dynamic Templates WorkMaster-Detail Page SetsMaster-Detail Sets the Manual WayCreating the Master PageCreating the Detail PageLinking the Master Page to the Detail PageFiltering the Detail Page Recordset Based on the URL ParameterWorking with the Master-Detail Page Set Object (ColdFusion and PHP)Working with Complex RecordsetsWriting SQL QueriesThe BasicsGetting FancierCollecting One Instance OnlyCalculationsJoiningUsing the Database Items Tree to Write SQLUsing Parameters in SQL StatementsParameters for PHPParameters for ColdFusionParameters for ASP.NETCreating a User Authentication (Login) SystemUser RegistrationUser LoginRestricting AccessLogging OutConditional ContentThe Show Region ObjectsOther Kinds of Conditional ContentDisplaying Content Only If a Record Field Is Not EmptyDisplaying Content Based on a URL ParameterSummary
ColdFusion Objects in the Insertion BarServer VariablesCFQUERYCFOUTPUTCFINSERTCFUPDATECFINCLUDECFLOCATIONCFSETCFPARAMColdFusion CommentsSurrounding Variables with #...#CFSCRIPTCFTRY and CFCATCHCFTHROWCFLOCKCFSWITCH, CFCASE, and CFDEFAULTCASECFIF, CFELSE, and CFELSEIFCFLOOP and CFBREAKCFCOOKIECFCONTENT (Advanced)CFHEADER (Advanced)ColdFusion Page Encoding (Advanced)CFAPPLICATIONCFERROR (Advanced)CFDIRECTORY (Advanced)CFFILE (Advanced)CFMAIL (Advanced)CFPOP (Advanced)CFHTTP and CFHTTPPARAM (Advanced)CFLDAP (Advanced)CFFTP (Advanced)CFSEARCH (Advanced)CFINDEX (Advanced)CFMODULE (Advanced)CFOBJECT (Advanced)CFCHART (Advanced)More Tags (Advanced)ColdFusion ComponentsSet Up Your SiteCreate the ColdFusion ComponentCreate the Search Employees PageTest the ApplicationColdFusion ResourcesSummary
PHP Objects in the Insertion BarForm VariablesURL VariablesSession VariablesCookie VariablesIncludeRequirePHP Page EncodingCode BlockEchoCommentIf and ElseMore Tags (Advanced)Creating the Mail FormCreating the Mail ProcessorPHP ResourcesSummary
ASP.NET Installation NotesWhere is the Current ASP.NET Download?What Versions of Windows Does ASP.NET Work On?Turn Off Simple File SharingSetting Permissions for the FoldersSetting the Permissions in the IIS AdministratorASP.NET Hand-Coding Objects in the Insertion BarRegister Custom Tag (Advanced)Import Namespace (Advanced)Trimmed Form Element (Advanced)Trimmed QueryString ElementRunat ServerBound DataPage_Load (Advanced)ASP.NET Web Server Control Objects in the Insertion Barasp:Buttonasp:CheckBoxasp:CheckBoxListasp:DropDownListasp:ImageButtonasp:Labelasp:ListBoxasp:RadioButtonasp:RadioButtonListasp:TextBoxMore TagsSetting up the Site in DreamweaverInserting a DataGridASP.NET ResourcesSummary
Using Dreamweaver as a Text EditorAccessing the Text EditorCode View Options and PreferencesSetting Text Size and FontSyntax ColoringLine NumbersWord Wrap (Soft Wrapping)Auto-IndentingCode Formatting OptionsAutomatic Text Wrap (Hard Wrapping)IndentingCase ControlCode RewritingFixing Invalid CodeURL EncodingCode Writing and EditingEditing Commands and ShortcutsCode HintsAuto Tag CompletionCode SnippetsUsing the Snippets PanelInserting SnippetsInserting in Code View vs. Design ViewInserting Block vs. Wrapped SnippetsEditing SnippetsSnippet HousekeepingCreating Your Own SnippetsLinking to External Text EditorsSetting Up an External Text Editor (Nonintegrated)Integrating HomeSite+ and Dreamweaver (Windows)Integrating BBEdit and Dreamweaver (Macintosh)Tag Libraries and the Tag Library EditorUsing the Tag Library Editor Dialog BoxThe Tags ListTag Library OptionsTag OptionsAttribute OptionsEditing Tag Library EntriesAdding (and Removing) EntriesAdding a Tag LibraryAdding a TagAdding an AttributeAdvanced Find and ReplaceAdvanced Text SearchesSpecific Tag SearchesUsing Regular ExpressionsWriting Regular ExpressionsFinding and Replacing with Regular ExpressionsEditing Non-HTML Markup with DreamweaverWriting JavaScript in DreamweaverThe Reference PanelScripting Without Using Code ViewCall JavaScript BehaviorThe Script ObjectScripts in the Assets PanelJavaScript Tools in Code ViewSyntax Coloring for ScriptsJavaScript SnippetsCode Navigation MenuAuto-Balancing BracesSummary
How Dreamweaver is ConfiguredWorking with the Configuration FolderMultiuser Support: The User Configuration FolderReconfigurations, from Simple to FancyModifying Keyboard ShortcutsWorking with the Keyboard Shortcuts EditorHow Shortcuts are ConfiguredCustomizing the Favorites Category of the Insert BarUsing the Customize Favorite Objects WindowHow the Insert Bar Is ConfiguredCustomizing Insertbar.xml: Creating Object Menus in the Favorites CategoryAutomating Tasks with Custom CommandsRecording CommandsSaving Commands with the History PanelHow Saved Commands Are ConfiguredCustomizing Dialog Boxes Using HTMLCustomizing Dreamweaver Menus with menus.xmlThe World of Third-Party ExtensionsFinding Extensions: The Macromedia ExchangeInstalling and Managing Extensions: The Extension ManagerSummary
Before You Get StartedThe Dreamweaver APIHow Extensions are ConstructedHow Extensions are ProcessedHow Extensions Talk to DreamweaverCreating Object ExtensionsObjects in the Configuration FolderObjects in the Insert Bar: insertbar.xmlThe API for ObjectsObject File StructureThe Procedure for ObjectsMaking the Most of ObjectsCreating Command ExtensionsCommands in the Configuration FolderThe API for CommandsCommand File StructureThe Procedure for CommandsThe Dreamweaver DOMUnderstanding Objects (Nodes)Parents, Children, and SiblingsNode TypesGaining Access to the DOMMaking the Most of CommandsPackaging Your ExtensionsSubmitting Your Extension to the Macromedia ExchangeSummary

Content preview from Macromedia® Dreamweaver® MX 2004 Demystified

Chapter 28. Customizing and Extending Dreamweaver

Dreamweaver MX 2004 is unique in the world of commercial software because of the degree to which it can be tweaked, customized, and extended. Not only can you change defaults, tweak preferences, and rearrange panel groups, but you can actually change the program’s functionality by creating new panels, commands, menu entries, and more. And it’s all because of extensions.

This chapter examines how extensions work within the Dreamweaver architecture and how you can start customizing your Dreamweaver program—without needing any programming knowledge—by changing settings in Dreamweaver configuration ...