Dreamweaver UltraDev is an enhanced version of Macromedia's leading Web-authoring tool. The standout additional feature is dynamic content, which is when pages have live links to databases or other types of server-side scripting. Most products of this type require extensive manual coding, but UltraDev has an extensive library of built-in scripts, called Server Behaviors, that allow even moderately sophisticated sites to be built with little or no code. Version 4 looks similar to its predecessor, but includes important changes that make it more complete and easier to use. One of the best new features is the split code and design view, which lets you edit either the code or the visual design and see changes instantly echoed between them. There is also built-in security, so you can create login procedures and password-protected sites. Finally, the Live Objects wizards automatically create page elements to handle common tasks, such as a master/detail page set, or forms to insert and update records.
UltraDev supports three kinds of server-side scripting: Active Server Pages, JavaServer Pages, and Cold Fusion. Unfortunately, it does not support PHP, which is popular on Linux and Unix servers, although because UltraDev is extensible, there may be some third-party add-ins. The features for the three models are similar but not identical, although in every case there is excellent database support. Its great strength is that you can focus on designing your pages and let UltraDev handle the data access code. You can even display live data at design time, making it easier to get exactly the right appearance.
Everything in Dreamweaver is also in UltraDev, so this is the ideal package for Web authors who need to add dynamic content with a minimum of fuss.
About Fireworks 4:
Fireworks is a dedicated Web graphics application. You can create both vector and bit-map images, optimize them for Web pages, and add numerous special effects for export direct to HTML.
The starting point is a familiar range of drawing and painting tools, such as shapes, lines, brushes, pens, and selection tools. In the default vector mode they create editable, scalable objects, and in bit-map mode they paint pixels. Fireworks supports layers and masks--virtual overlaid surfaces that you can edit independently, enabling designers to achieve a wide range of effects. For example, you can vary opacity and blending to fine-tune the final appearance. Other Fireworks panels include color, stroke, fill, and effects. There is also a library panel where you can store graphic elements for reuse.
A key feature for Web designers is optimization. Fireworks offers maximum control over the critical tradeoff between quality and size. A two-up and four-up view lets you compare the quality of original and optimized versions, using techniques such as reducing color depth and removing unused colors. The software offers strong support for GIF, JPEG, and PNG image formats. Fireworks also lets you create animation that is exported as an animated GIF. It will also generate JavaScript to produce image rollovers and, in this new version, pop-up menus. There is great support for hotspots and slices, techniques for mapping or dividing an image to support HTML features. Integration with Macromedia's Dreamweaver 4 is better than ever in version 4 of Fireworks. Dreamweaver UltraDev 4/Fireworks Studio combines the two products at a lower price. You can export to Dreamweaver--or launch Fireworks directly from Dreamweaver--edit an image, and save it back with all Fireworks-specific information preserved. --Tim Anderson
This Macromedia UltraDev 4/Fireworks 4 bundle is an efficient way to develop ASP, JSP, or ColdFusion Web applications. Rapidly build database-driven Web applications with total control over source code, plus integrated Web graphics. Professional hand-coding environment includes ASP, JSP, and CFML keyword color-coding, autoindenting, punctuation balancing, and the ability to debug client-side JavaScript directly in your browser. Create, edit, and animate Web graphics in Fireworks 4; add advanced interactivity; optimize images; and integrate seamlessly with UltraDev 4 for efficient development. View live, server-side data in the workspace, and make edits to layout and logic on the fly. Maximize productivity with built-in server behaviors, the ability to create your own library of reusable server behaviors easily, and powerful shortcuts for creating user authentication, master/detail pages, and more. Improve development efficiency with sitewide reports, project tracking, and integration with version-control systems like Microsoft Visual SourceSafe for Windows and leading content-management systems.
