Building Web Sites with Macromedia Studio MX

by Jordan L. Chilcott and Thomas J. Green

Leverage the power of Macromedia Studio MX to design and build attention-grabbing dynamic web sites on time and under budget. This is the only book on the market that shows readers how to use... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735712727
• ISBN13: 9780735712720
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: New Riders Publishing
• Length: 756 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating look at the design process of a website

This book takes an interesting approach to website construction guides/manuals. Whereas other books that I've seen tend to talk about the different tools and functions of a certain program, this one takes the viewpoint of actually constructing a website, and uses the tool (in this case, Macromedia Studio MX) as what it is, a tool, and not meant to override the design aspects of the person behind the tool.In a sense, if you extract the specific references to Macromedia Studio MX from the book, it would still provide a simple and understandable walkthrough in the design of a website, with all of the decisions and tradeoffs inherent to the design process. Many of these decisions are software-neutral, so they should serve as an indicator of what goes into thought of a website, and not the restrictions of the software you're working with. Of course, the integration among the programs in Macromedia Studio MX is the main reason to consider it for creating a website, but even if you wanted to switch out one program for another, the design decisions that the book demonstrates are valid, though you may not agree with them for your specific needs.Rehashing the software manuals is common among books that have a prominent software package in their title. The authors of this book have deviated from this practice, and I heartily thank them for it.

It about the process..

This is a book about the process of web development masquerading as a book about software.If you had to keep only one chapter: keep chapter 18. How the authors relate their own experiences putting together a website is invaluable for newbies and old pros alike.I also liked where they gave the developer (aka author) a chance to explain why they chose a particular strategy, file format, or made a particular decision. While I might not agree it is always interesting and helpful to see another point of view.Oh it is also a useful guide to several key pieces of software for those of us who want to make websites.

This book accomplished it's goal...

I purchased the whole Studio MX shortly after it was released. Dreamweaver is my main tool on a daily basis. Though I've used Freehand and Flash, it's been a while. I was thrilled to find a book that could bring me up to speed on the programs I'm less familiar with as well as give me tips on the whole line.Not only does this book give you information about each product and their integration, but it gives a great overview of the entire production process. There are a lot of books that give you the "hows" of building; this one also gives you the "whys." I personally loved the chapter about typography unlike a previous reviewer. If more web designer/developers paid attention to this type of information, the web would be a better place.Some of you have been building sites for years. Others are just getting started. Everyone will learn a great deal. We all do things differently and sometimes we get stuck in a rut. Pick up some new tips and methods. A great book to add to your reference library.

More than just another book of features...

The last couple of years have seen the New Media market flooded with new tools, plugins and software packages to help design and build interactive content. Arguably the best suite of tools available are those found in Macromedia's latest offering of Studio MX. In addition to the most robust version of Flash to date, Studio MX also includes revamped versions of Cold Fusion, Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Freehand. However, though having the right tools will definately make life easier, building New Media content is much more than just knowing the latest features and tricks. Unfortunately, many of the books currently available are little more than expanded feature spotlights, or a rehash of the manuals.That's where Tom Green and Co. have strayed from the pack. Building Web Sites with Macromedia Studio MX outlines a real-world web project from start to finish. Beginning with brainstorming and planning, the reader learns the why of web design, not just how. Discussions include wireframing, flowchats, and navigation issues. Also of note is the welcome inclusion of interaction with the client (via Macromedia Sitespring), reviews, signoffs, and version tracking. From the planning stages, we move through the actual design and creation of the site using Fireworks and Dreamweaver, then on to more advanced tasks including dynamic content via Cold Fusion.Building Web Sites provides a very comprehensive overview into the actual workflow of a project. The brick and mortar approach should appeal to a wide variety of both novice designers and programmers.

More than just a reference book.

Like it says in the intro, "This book is for those of you who get it". I like to think I get it, and this book addresses many of the concerns I have about building and managing complex web sites. Rather than taking an approach of duplicating the manuals that come with the product, Green/Chilcott/Flick's book takes on the whole world of web site development. It's deep in its coverage of fundamental concepts in good design. The book does an excellent job of covering how to work with clients so they get what they want and need, and protect yourself at the same time from misunderstandings about what you're committed to delivering. Key concept: Document, Document, Document.Good coverage too on architecting dynamic content, Flash's new Video functionality, and ColdFusion integration.Because of it's focus on fundamental concepts in good design, and although there's lots of info on working in Studio MX, this would still be a great book to have even if you aren't working with Macromedia products.