Overview

In This Chapter

Working with Flash files in Dreamweaver

Inserting Flash objects

Using Flash elements

Checking links and viewing site maps

Adding Dreamweaver Behaviors

Editing ActionScript in Dreamweaver

Macromedia Dreamweaver is the most popular HTML authoring tool for professional Web developers. Dreamweaver 8 is designed to function as the core integration tool for Web content created with the other programs in the Macromedia Studio 8 suite. While there are other site management and HTML authoring tools available, when it comes to integrating Flash and building your complete Web site, there's no other tool that compares to the capabilities of Dreamweaver.

The latest version builds on the foundations of Dreamweaver MX 2004, but Macromedia put extra time into research with real-world users and it shows. Tools for visual designers and application developers have been expanded and enhanced with more extensive support for rich media elements and more robust site management tools. The interface has been updated to better facilitate explorative learning as well as more efficient day-to-day production workflows. There is more extensive CSS-authoring support (for projects that use cascading style sheets) and new tools for working with XML-based sites. The integration with Flash and Fireworks remains seamless, and new objects have been added to the Media menu that make it easy to integrate Flash video files and FlashPaper content with Dreamweaver pages.

Dreamweaver has always been friendly and hardworking, but version 8 is smarter and better looking than ever before. It's a little like seeing a good friend again after she's gone to college!