Dreamweaver CS3: Spry Widgets
May 7th, 2007
Dreamweaver CS3 includes the Spry Framework for AJAX: a Javascript library which enables non-programmers to take advantage of various dynamic page elements, effects and XML data access. AJAX stands for “Asynchronous Javascript and XML”. One of the major advantages of AJAX is that data can be requested from the server and utilised without the need to refresh the entire page. This makes for very dynamic, fast and highly interactive pages. Google Maps is based on AJAX.
Although the Spry Framework has been available to download for a while via Adobe Labs, this is aimed mainly at coders. Dreamweaver implements Spry via a new section in the Insert toolbar, and ships with several ‘widgets’; repeating tables, menus, collapsible panels and form validation to name a few. This technology actually delivers really well, is fast and works across browsers. A really nice aspect of this is that it presents a good incentive to begin working with XML data, providing a relatively simple way of accessing the data and using it to populate pages, menus and so on. This provides the possiility of creating ‘dynamic’, data-driven pages without having to use databases and more complex go-between technologies such as PHP, ASP or Coldfusion.
Ubiq’s new Dreamweaver advanced course now includes SPRY widgets and datasets. The course runs over two days, and addiotionally covers adanced CSS page layouts, templates and much more.
I’ve recently built a site for Brittons School in Havering, which make use of Spry for a calendar and other elements: http://www.brittons.havering.sch.uk.
Entry Filed under: Dreamweaver
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