Dreamweaver Mx Extensions

by GUTMAN LAURA

• ISBN13: 9780735711822
• ISBN10: 0735711828
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: New Riders Press

Summary

Dreamweaver X Extensions explores the configuration of Dreamweaver and its API (Application Programming Interface) so that users can understand how to create Dreamweaver extensions to solve programming problems. The book begins with basic customization operations and moves to working within the API and the DOM (Document Object Model). Each section of the book includes one or more tutorials of the following types: simple practice tutorials designed to explore the underlying architecture of the extension type, workshop tutorials that create simple (but useful) extensions, and project tutorials that analyze and solve potential workflow needs that require extensions.

Author Biography

Laura Gutman is a Senior Instructor at the University of New Mexico's Professional Development Program.

Table of Contents

I. OBJECTS AND BEHAVIORS: LEARNING THE API.

1. Dreamweaver Configuration and the API.

How Dreamweaver Is Configured. The Dreamweaver API. Ready, Set, Go!

2. Creating Custom Objects.

How Objects Are Constructed. Making Objects: Practice Session. Workshop #1: Creating a Simple Object. Workshop #2: Creating a Simple Object with User Input. Workshop #3: Creating a More Complex Object. Summary.

3. Creating Custom Behaviors.

How Behaviors Are Constructed. Making Behaviors: Practice Session. Workshop #1: Creating a Simple Behavior. Workshop #2: Creating a Full-Featured Behavior. Inspecting Behaviors. Workshop #3: Inspecting the Set Properties Behavior. Summary.

II. COMMANDS, INSPECTORS, FLOATING PANELS: WORKING WITH THE DOM.

4. The Dreamweaver DOM.

What Is a DOM? DOM Basics. Extensibility and the DOM. Working with the DOM: Practice Session. Summary.

5. Creating Custom Commands and Menu Commands.

How Commands Are Constructed. Workshop #1: A Command That Uses Object Access. Workshop #2: A Command That Uses String Access. Commands and Menus. Workshop #3: Manipulating the Menu Entry for a Command. Menu Commands. Making Menu Commands: Practice Session. Workshop #4: Creating a Menu Command. Summary.

6. Creating Custom Property Inspectors.

How Property Inspectors Are Constructed. Making Inspectors: Practice Session. Workshop #1: A Simple Property Inspector. Workshop #2: Replacing a Default Inspector. Summary.

7. Creating Custom Floating Panels.

How Floating Panels Are Constructed. Making Floating Panels: Practice Session. Workshop 1: A Floating Panel Utility. Summary.

8. Mixing Extension Types.

Why Mix Extension Types? API Functions for Mixing Extension Types. Mixing Extension Types: Practice Session. Summary.

9. Server Behaviors.

Server Behavior API. Workshop #1: Inserting Conditional Page Content with an If-Then Statement. Workshop #2: Inserting Dynamically Determined Images. Summary.

10. Into the Great Beyond.

The Nature of Class Files. ListControl Items. ImageButtons. Layered Interfaces. Other Custom Classes. Summary.

III. APPENDIXES.

Appendix A. JavaScript Primer.

How JavaScript and HTML Work Together. Variables and Expressions. Functions. Logical Structures (Conditionals and Loops). Working with Form Elements. JavaScript and Objects. Linking JS and HTML Files. Summary.

Appendix B. Macromedia User Interface Guidelines.

Fonts and Colors. Graphics. Layout. Form Elements. Buttons. Online Help. Error-Checking, Default Values, and More. Summary.

Appendix C. Packaging Extensions for Use with the Extension Manager.

Packaging Extensions. Summary.

Appendix D. Submitting Extensions to the—Macromedia Dreamweaver Exchange.

Guidelines for Submission. Recommended Test Plan.

Appendix E. Online Resources for Dreamweaver Extensibility.

Web Sites. Forums. Tools.

Appendix F. Contents of the Dreamweaver MX Extensions—Book Companion Web Site.

Chapter 2: “Creating Custom Objects” . Chapter 3: “Creating Custom Behaviors” . Chapter 4: “The Dreamweaver DOM” . Chapter 5: “Creating Custom Commands and Menu Commands” . Chapter 6: “Creating Custom Property Inspectors” . Chapter 7: “Creating Custom Floating Panels” . Chapter 8: “Mixing Extension Types” . Chapter 9: “Server Behaviors” . Chapter 10: “Into the Great Beyond” . Appendixes.

Index.