Macromedia Dreamweaver 4

By Nathan Segal.

In this version of Dreamweaver, Macromedia introduces new and enhanced tools that make an already popular program even better. Some of the new features are the ability to define and customize keyboard shortcuts, the Code View, the O'Reilly coding references, the Layout View, Flash buttons and text, the Assets panel, JavaScript Debugger, and the Macromedia Exchange.

A big improvement in Dreamweaver 4 is the way the program handles code, using a feature known as the Code View or Code Inspector, not unlike the 360Code feature in Adobe GoLive 5. The Code View uses two panes, allowing designers to code and edit the page in the same view. As in GoLive, changes made in one pane are automatically updated in the other, a useful feature to see how the HTML interacts with live page elements. Additionally, you can maximize either pane as needed.

The Code View in the document window which has been split into two and the Code Inspector on the right.

For die hard code warriors, Dreamweaver 4 includes the O'Reilly coding references, which puts the works of several books into the application. To access it, you can use one of a couple of methods. You can either access the inspector and look up a keyword, or highlight code and click on the reference button at on the top toolbar. The information will appear inside the reference inspector, making it an invaluable guide.

The Reference inspector.

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