Macromedia Studio MX 2004 Bible [Paperback]

Joyce J. Evans (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764544721 | ISBN-13: 978-0764544729 | Publication Date: March 1, 2004

Packed with hands-on instruction, and expert tutorials from the crème de la crème of the Macromedia development community, Macromedia Studio MX 2004 Bible is everything web developers need to build cutting-edge applications with Macromedia’s product line. Covering of all the Studio MX 2004 applications - Dreamweaver MX 2004, Fireworks MX 2004, Flash MX 2004, ColdFusion 6.1, and FreeHand MX, Macromedia web development expert Joyce Evans guides readers through the use of each product, but more importantly, how they can be used together to build next-generation, data-driven web applications. Topics covered include:

• Building data-enabled sites with Dreamweaver 2004
• Creating Flash MX 2004 animations
• Working with ActionScript
• Creating web graphics and animations with Fireworks MX 2004
• Building interactive ColdFusion Applications
• Integrating Flash and ColdFusion
• Drawing vector art with Freehand MX

The Companion CD-Rom incl udes trial versions of the software as well as extensions, sample databases, images and applications.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Joyce Evans’ ability to teach readers how to use the tools in Studio MX 2004 together, as an end-to-end solution for building great sites, makes this book a must-have for every Web developer using Macromedia tools."
–Andrew Spedzia, Web Developer, arttask.com

If Macromedia Studio MX 2004 can do it, you can do it too...

Macromedia Studio MX 2004 offers a revolutionary set of integrated tools for Web developers. This book gives you control of its power. You’ll benefit from the expertise of volunteers, beta testers, and advisory board members who share the inside track on Dreamweaver MX 2004, Fireworks MX 2004, Flash MX 2004, FreeHand MX, and ColdFusion MX 6.1 versions. Whether you’re building your first Web site or seeking advanced guidance on the newest tools, you’ll find the information, instructions, and tutorials that let you create cutting-edge sites.

Inside, you’ll find complete coverage of Macromedia Studio MX 2004

• Learn to use the Studio MX 2004 tools together to create dynamic sites
• Add ColdFusion MX 6.1 capabilities from within Dreamweaver MX 2004–without writing a single line of code
• Develop superb animations with the new Flash MX 2004 capabilities
• Design Web pages with Dreamweaver MX 2004 using tables or CSS style sheets, pop-up menus, and third-party extensions
• Learn to optimize images in Fireworks for smaller file sizes, then slice and export them as a fully functioning Web page

Bonus CD-ROM

• Demo versions of Image Doctor, Wild Flix Pro, and Xenofex 2
• Trial versions of Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004, Fireworks MX 2004, Flash MX 2004, and ColdFusion Server MX
• Bonus chapters, tutorials, code listings, and more

About the Author

Joyce J. Evans developed the scope and focus of this book, as well as wrote the Fireworks and Flash sections. Joyce is a training veteran with over tenyears of experience in educational teaching, tutorial development, and Web design. She has received EditorsChoice Awards for her book Fireworks 4 F/X and Design and has authored several computer books, including Dreamweaver MX Complete Course and Fireworks MX: Zero to Hero. Joyce is a Team Macromedia Volunteer. Her work can also be found in the Macromedia Design/Developer center. She can be reached at [e-mail]. Her Web site is www.JoyceJEvans.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1300 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764544721
• ISBN-13: 978-0764544729
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,534,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This book is too overwhelming for beginners., November 7, 2004

By 

BJG - See all my reviews

This review is from: Macromedia Studio MX 2004 Bible (Paperback)

The small non-profit company I work for needed a website, and I drew the short straw for designing and maintaining it. We bought the Studio MX suite, and I hoped this book would cover everything I needed to design a simple, yet cool website.

The thing is it DOES cover EVERYTHING I needed, but it is SO overwhelming in all the details, I was pulling my hair out and wondering what I'd gotten myself into.

You really have have some experience with website design before attempting this book. I had no idea what to do, and couldn't filter out what applied to me and what didn't; I needed a little more hand-holding than this book offered. Now that I've been through the H.O.T. and Naked series of help books (which others complain of being too basic), I'm much more comfortable with this book. I'll definitely be using it as a reference as I add dynamic content to the simple website I've built.

Overall, this book is an excellent resource for intermediate or advanced users. Beginners should shop around for other books before buying this one.

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't do it if you are a beginner, September 26, 2004

By 

C. Conner (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Macromedia Studio MX 2004 Bible (Paperback)

I purchased this book hoping that there would be step by step instruction. In some cases there are but often there is not. A good book will give a quick rundown of the major features and then show you how to use them through example. Not so in this book. I learn by doing and not by reading and if you are the same way I do not recommend this. I tried doing one of the walkthroughs and found that it was not a complete walkthrough and that at times the actual main menu choice was left out. Example: "Choose Insert -> New Symbol. You have to know that it is in the Edit menu or you have to hunt it down as did I. Not having complete walkthroughs and assuming knowledge leads to frustration and a much longer learning curve. I can only guess that if you have some familiarity with these products already, it will be helpful, but do not purchase this book if you are a beginner with these programs.

**Note** I have found this type of thing to be true with most books from the Bible series. I keep hoping one will work out, but so far, I have about 4 of them and none have them been worth even a quarter of the purchase price.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars People, people -- come on now!, April 10, 2005

By 

J. Marquardt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Macromedia Studio MX 2004 Bible (Paperback)

I'm confused: when you see a book that's 3" thick, how could you *NOT* be aware that it might be overwhelming?! These Bibles are (repeat after me, everyone!) *DESK REFERENCES!* They're meant to sit there next to your workstation & bail your butt out when your boss needs something you've never done before. Yes, experience is required. So, as a desk reference, these Bibles rule!! Don't believe the negativity visible in other reviews.