Web Design and Development Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a testing server?

A: In web development, a testing server allows you to test all your dynamic pages on your local machine, as well as store your database locally for testing.  This can be very useful, and makes complex web development much faster.  However, not everyone needs one for simple tasks, and the process of setting up a testing server may be more work than it is worth.  If planning on implementing a WebAssist Solution such as PowerStore, you may not need a testing server, unless you plan on adding your own custom code to the pages.  The same applies to anyone who is simply developing standard HTML pages, that don't require a database.

Q: How do I get content to display over Flash?

A: By default, Flash movies (.swf) will display on top of all other content, whether it be a dropdown menu, or content on your page.  In order to ensure that your Flash movie does not display over all other elements on the page, apply the wmode="transparent" parameter to the <embed> reference for the swf file.
e.g.: <embed src="myflashmovie.swf" wmode="transparent">

For more information: kb2.adobe.com/cps/155/tn_15523.html

Q: Why do I need standards-compliant code?

A: Standards-compliant CSS and code is becoming more important everyday.  If you have clean code it will be easier to manage your site content and for search engines such as Google to find you. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is focused on guiding developers to creating standards-compliant sites.  Check out their Validator tool to scan your site for some pointers on where you can improve your code.

Q: How can I maximize space on my website?

A: One way to provide maximum functionality in a minimal amount of space is to design collapsible content and navigational pods. Collapsible pods help keep your design clean and easy to use while enhancing functionality and content.

Q: How can I get Dreamweaver snippets to work consistently?

A: Whenever you choose New Snippet from the Snippets panel, enter all your snippets in Wrap mode, and not Block mode, and it'll still work as promised. You can put all the code in the Insert before section of the Snippet dialog box without fear - Dreamweaver will add it as one piece. Even better, if you've got a code snippet that could wrap around another element or be placed as one block, split it up into the Insert before and Insert after sections: Dreamweaver will only divide the block if you insert it when some code, text or other page element is selected. It's the best of both snippet worlds!

Q: How can I clean up my code in Dreamweaver?

A: Most designers I know are just as particular about the way their code looks as they are about the way their page looks. Dreamweaver offers a tremendous degree of control toward shaping your code just the way you like it. The basic option, Apply Source Formatting, is found under the Command menu and reformats all the code in your page according to your Preference settings. There are, however, times when you don't want to reformat the entire page but rather just a section. For these situations, highlight the unsightly code and choose Commands > Apply Source Formatting to Selection. Your code will be ship-shape in no time.