What is this course about?

In this course, you learn how to create dynamic and interactive Web sites using the Web development aspects as well as the server-side functionality of Dreamweaver CS4. You learn how to integrate SQL Server, Microsoft Access and other databases into your Web site. You also learn how to design visually spectacular Web pages and how to integrate Photoshop graphics using the Asset Manager. You also learn the basic principles of server-side programming as well as how to create dynamic pages using these technologies. (These same techniques can be applied to ASP, PHP and ColdFusion Web sites.)

By the end of this course, you will return to your organisation with a thorough understanding of this technology and the capability to build effective, database-integrated Web sites using Dreamweaver CS4.

What is Dreamweaver?

Dreamweaver is a leading Web development tool known for its ease of use and sophisticated capabilities. Dreamweaver provides powerful and open integration with databases, producing both the client-side forms and the server-side scripts in ASP, PHP, or CFM with point-and-click ease. Dreamweaver enables developers to quickly build robust, scalable, platform-independent, enterprise-wide Web sites and Web applications without demanding "programming" experience. Dreamweaver is also widely recognised as a sophisticated Web development tool for creating visually rich Web pages because it seamlessly integrates Photoshop and Fireworks images, Flash and Shockwave movies, streaming media and many other types of multimedia.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is valuable for those involved in establishing, developing or maintaining a modern Web site, including Web developers, Web programmers, managers, marketing and graphics staff, project leaders and team members. Though this course uses classic ASP, this course is also valuable for those developing with PHP and ColdFusion.

What background do I need?

Working knowledge of Web technologies at the level of Course 470, Developing a Web Site: Hands-On, is assumed. For example, you should:

• Have basic knowledge of HTML (HTML form syntax, understand basic tags such as <title>, <img>, <a>)
• Understand how to use a browser
• Be familiar with Windows

Participants do not need to be familiar with Dreamweaver.

How is Dreamweaver CS4 different from previous versions of Dreamweaver?

Dreamweaver CS4 is an upgrade from Dreamweaver CS3. It builds on the success of previous versions, improving the coding interface and the support for Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).

I am using a previous version of Adobe Dreamweaver. Will this course be valuable for me?

Yes. While we do highlight some of the new features in Dreamweaver CS4, the vast majority of the course can be applied to Dreamweaver 8.0 and CS3. Most of the functionality remains very similar.

Do I need to know about the databases I am working with before I take this course?

No, you do not need specific knowledge of databases. However, SQL queries are used in this course for tasks such as dynamically populating Web pages with data. Therefore, a basic knowledge of SQL would be helpful.

I am not a programmer, but I need to develop a database-oriented Web site. Will this course benefit me?

Absolutely! This course provides the skills necessary to integrate a database with Web pages, allowing you to create dynamic content quickly and efficiently.

How much time is devoted to each topic?

I am developing an intranet application. Is this course for me?

Yes, the Internet technologies within Dreamweaver MX work well in an internal network. Through hands-on exercises in this course, you build a Web application for the Internet. This knowledge can easily be applied to the development of an intranet.

What kinds of hands-on exercises are included in the course?

Approximately 40% of class time is devoted to hands-on exercises. An authentic case study, where you develop a dynamic Web site, provides you with the hands-on experience of using Dreamweaver to design and develop a fully functional data-driven Web site. Exercises include:

• Formatting pages using Dreamweaver templates, Cascading Style Sheets and graphics
• Enhancing navigation with hyperlinks, hotspots, rollover buttons and Spry navigation bars
• Integrating special effects
• Tightly integrating database content with server-side code
• Building Web applications and maintaining state with reusable scripts
• Linking to databases using forms
• Implementing user authentication to secure database access

What platform and software are used in this course?

The student machines are equipped with Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Access and Adobe Creative Suite (CS4) Web Premium, including Dreamweaver CS4. Macintosh users will also benefit from this course because Dreamweaver has the same interface and capabilities on Macintosh and Windows.

Does this course help me prepare for Adobe Dreamweaver certification exams?

Yes. This course helps you prepare for both the Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 ACE and Adobe Dreamweaver CS4 Recertification exams. However, since this is not an exam-prep course, it does not prepare you fully for the Adobe exams. For more information about these exams, please see the Adobe Web site: www.adobe.com.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

More Web development courses that may be of interest:

• 489, JavaScript for Web Development: Hands-On provides experience writing JavaScript to create dynamic, animated Web pages and interactive forms with built-in validation. You also learn to create active links using rollover graphics and exploit Dynamic HTML. You gain experience in controlling Java applets, ActiveX and plug-ins with JavaScript.
• 986, Developing Ajax Web 2.0 Applications: Hands-On provides the knowledge and practical skills required to effectively design, create and implement Ajax-enabled Web sites.

If you are interested in learning more about Web site administration and security, you may be interested in:

• 522, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for Web Page Development: Hands-On enables you to design cross-platform Web pages using CSS and HTML as well as develop effective site navigation and tabbed content