TechNote (Archived)

Common questions about Dreamweaver MX 2004

What is Dreamweaver MX 2004?
Do I have to know HTML or XHTML to use Dreamweaver MX 2004?
Can I view and edit the HTML code?
What version of HTML and JavaScript does Dreamweaver MX 2004 write?
What version of CSS does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support?
What Macintosh operating system is required to run Dreamweaver MX 2004?
What protocol does the new Secure FTP functionality support?
Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support accessibility efforts?
How well does Dreamweaver MX 2004 work with Fireworks MX 2004 and Flash MX 2004?
Can I work with ASP, ASP.NET, CFML, JSP, PHP and other non-HTML languages in Dreamweaver MX 2004?
Can I make e-commerce sites with Dreamweaver MX 2004?
Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support XML?
How do Dreamweaver Templates work?
Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 come with templates or can I import FrontPage templates?
What do Dreamweaver Library items do, and how are they different from snippets?
Can I make pages in languages other than English with Dreamweaver MX 2004?
What are Dreamweaver Extensions?
Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support Extensions written for Dreamweaver MX?
What is the Dreamweaver Exchange?
What training is available for Dreamweaver MX 2004?
What is HomeSite+?

What is Dreamweaver MX 2004?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 is the professional visual design solution for building websites and Internet applications. Dreamweaver's powerful features allow you to automate production and enhance team efficiency. Dreamweaver facilitates workflow through integration with other web applications, Macromedia Contribute, Fireworks and Flash, Microsoft Office, and leading e-commerce and application servers. Moreover, Dreamweaver can be customized using HTML, JavaScript, and XML for advanced website development. Dreamweaver builds better websites and Internet applications faster.

More information on Dreamweaver is available from the Dreamweaver product page.

Do I have to know HTML or XHTML to use Dreamweaver MX 2004?

A working knowledge of HTML is very helpful when using Dreamweaver. However, many developers use Dreamweaver as a tool for learning HTML. You can use the Code and Design split view to design pages visually while watching the code changes as they happen. If you have any questions about the code that is written, you can easily access pertinent reference documents using the Reference Panel. You can also easily generate HTML or XHTML, and convert HTML documents to XHTML.

Can I view and edit the HTML code?

Dreamweaver provides direct access to the HTML code through the Code view or the split Code and Design view, or as a separate panel using the Code Inspector. Once the code is accessed, you can directly hand code HTML and see the code rendered in the visual Design view. In Design view, in addition to the Quick Tag Editor,you have several ways of adding or modifying tags and their attributes. The Tag Inspector allows you to modify attributes for tags selected in Design view. The Code view will show hints as you type. Dreamweaver MX 2004 also allows tag-level customization of code through its Tag Library Editor.

What version of HTML and JavaScript does Dreamweaver MX 2004 write?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 writes either XHTML or HTML. If you choose to generate HTML, the code written is a subset of HTML 4.0 (for DHTML) and HTML 3.2 for maximum compatibility. If you chooses to generate XHTML, the code written is XHTML 1.0. Dreamweaver writes JavaScript which ranges from 1 to 1.2, using the most widely compatible code.

What version of CSS does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 is fully CSS 2 compliant.

What Macintosh operating system is required to run Dreamweaver MX 2004?

Macintosh OS X version 10.2.6 or above is required to run Dreamweaver MX 2004. Dreamweaver MX 2004 is fully "carbonized," which means that it will run natively on Macintosh OS X. Macintosh operating systems prior to 10.2.6, including version 9, are not supported.

What protocol does the new Secure FTP functionality support?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 now includes Secure FTP (SFTP) capabilities, supporting the OpenSSH 3.5p1 protocol. It has been tested with the following Secure FTP servers:

Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support accessibility efforts?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 allows you to see user interface items that will help you author accessible pages. In addition to this, you can run reports on websites to determine how well web pages meet accessibility guidelines. These efforts and more are described in the Macromedia Accessibility website.

How well does Dreamweaver MX 2004 work with Fireworks MX 2004 and Flash MX 2004?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 and Fireworks MX 2004 have even more integration power than in previous versions. Basic Fireworks functionality is now integrated into Dreamweaver MX 2004 (crop images, adjust brightness and contrast, and sharpen). Fireworks can export buttons or navigation bars with attached JavaScript behaviors from Fireworks MX 2004 as Dreamweaver MX 2004 HTML or XHTML. This code can be seamlessly introduced into a Dreamweaver document. Fireworks MX 2004 pop-up menus are fully supported and editable in Dreamweaver MX 2004. Once content has been exported to Dreamweaver, you can easily launch and edit the original Fireworks file from within Dreamweaver, allowing the changes to be saved and re-exported with the click of one button.

Dreamweaver MX 2004 allows a similar launch and edit functionality with Flash MX 2004, allowing you to launch a source Flash file from within Dreamweaver, make changes, and click back to Dreamweaver with the changes intact. Dreamweaver MX 2004 now also includes support for Flash Elements. This allows parameters of Flash components inserted into Dreamweaver documents to be edited directly in Dreamweaver's Tag Inspector.

Can I work with ASP, ASP.NET, CFML, JSP, PHP and other non-HTML languages in Dreamweaver MX 2004?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 continues to support the design functionality and database accessibility of Dreamweaver MX, producing a robust design tool that is both easy and powerful to work with. Dreamweaver MX 2004's support of server models is covered in greater detail in Dreamweaver MX 2004 dynamic FAQ (TechNote 16341).

Can I make e-commerce sites with Dreamweaver MX 2004?

You can easily and professionally develop e-commerce Internet applications with Dreamweaver MX 2004, as just one example of database-driven content.

Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support XML?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 supports not only the creation and editing of XML files, but it also allows you to import DTDs and schemas and to validate XML documents. In addition to the dynamic document types that Dreamweaver MX 2004 supports (ASP, JSP, ASP.NET, PHP and ColdFusion), you can also create WML content in Dreamweaver's Design View.

How do Dreamweaver Templates work?

Dreamweaver Templates allow you to better manage the overall design of sites by separating page content from page design. By defining editable areas on a page, you can restrict changes that can be made to the layout of a particular HTML page. Content contributors can then add and edit content in these editable regions without compromising the site's design. Moreover, changes can be made to the overall design of the site quickly by revising the template file directly.

Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 come with templates or can I import FrontPage templates?

While you can create your own templates, Dreamweaver MX 2004 also allows you to create new pages based on pre-designed templates. You can also easily use templates from any site in any other site. FrontPage templates will not work in Dreamweaver MX 2004.

What do Dreamweaver Library items do, and how are they different from snippets?

Dreamweaver Library items allow you to save sections of HTML code from an existing page for later use. These Library items can be added to pages in the site from the Library palette with drag and drop ease. Libraries also make it easier than ever to update code across many pages, as edits to a Library item will be reflected in all pages that reference it throughout the site. Dreamweaver MX 2004 also uses Snippets, which allows you to "snag" a bit of code or text that can be dropped into other pages. Snippets are not dependent on a file, but are written directly to the code, perfect for a copyright statement or a favorite bit of JavaScript code.

Can I make pages in languages other than English with Dreamweaver MX 2004?

Dreamweaver MX 2004 includes support for UTF-8 as an encoding choice, which allows you to not only develop pages in other languages, but even to use multiple languages in the same web page. In addition to the UTF-8 support, however, Dreamweaver MX 2004 has always supported a robust set of encoding choices. Multi-language development can be very dependent upon the developer's environment, but Dreamweaver MX 2004 can be an excellent choice for the developer needing additional encoding support.

What are Dreamweaver Extensions?

Dreamweaver Extensions add extra functionality to Dreamweaver MX 2004. You can access the Macromedia Exchange for Dreamweaver from the Commands menu for direct, easy access to the new Extension Manager and a wide variety of extensions that are readily available.

Does Dreamweaver MX 2004 support Extensions written for Dreamweaver MX?

Dreamweaver MX extensions should be compatible with Dreamweaver MX 2004. Some third-party extensions may not function correctly due to changes in Dreamweaver MX 2004's new menu structure. Please check with the extension author to confirm Dreamweaver MX 2004 compatibility with individual extensions.

Dreamweaver MX extensions authored by Macromedia are currently undergoing testing to determine compatibility with Dreamweaver MX 2004. Please check the Macromedia Exchange for Dreamweaver for information on specific extensions.

What is the Dreamweaver Exchange?

The Macromedia Exchange for Dreamweaver is the place developers can download extensions that will extend the functionality of Dreamweaver MX 2004. These easy-to-install extensions are a great way for a beginning user to expand on Dreamweaver's core functionality. Advanced users can share their own objects, behaviors, and commands through the Exchange and new users can benefit from the efforts of the community of extension developers.

What training is available for Dreamweaver MX 2004?

The Dreamweaver purchase includes sample files and introductory tutorials, accessible from the Help menu. You may also choose a more formal educational experience, learning to use Dreamweaver MX 2004 through Macromedia Authorized Training and Certification Programs. Choose from a variety of classroom-based and online training courses designed to help you build effective websites and applications. Visit the Macromedia Training website for more information.

What is HomeSite+?

HomeSite + combines the power of ColdFusion Studio 5 and HomeSite 5.5 with additional support for ColdFusion MX 6.1 tag development. HomeSite+ provides a lean, code-only editor for web developers to be used to build reliable sites in less time. Advanced coding features enable you to instantly create and modify HTML, XHTML and WML tags, while integrated tools allow you to effortlessly validate, reuse, navigate and format your code. Project management, quality control and site deployment features help you efficiently build, deploy and manage your entire website.

HomeSite+ is only available for Windows users, and only available with Dreamweaver MX 2004. Look for the HomeSite+ installer on the Dreamweaver MX 2004 CD or with the download of Dreamweaver MX 2004 from the Macromedia online store. Macromedia HomeSite 5.5 is still available for purchase separately.