Preface

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I recall the days prior to Dreamweaver 1 when I hand-coded or used inferior tools that wrote horrible code. I rejoiced when I started using Dreamweaver. Prior to using Fireworks, I was using Photoshop. I approached Fireworks with a, "Why doesn't this work like Photoshop?" attitude. As Fireworks has matured into Fireworks MX, I now ask, "Why can't Photoshop do this?" Because Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Flash were all developed specifically for the Web, they are powerful and innovative tools. FreeHand has been used primarily for print design but has been adding Web functions as of version 10. FreeHand MX has added even more Web features while maintaining its strong hold in the field of print design.

The Macromedia Studio MX bundle of Web development tools has matured into a powerful suite of tools that covers the gamut of what developers need to or want to develop. Flash MX is the best version yet, giving designer/developers almost unlimited possibilities including communication with ColdFusion and other Web-server technologies.

The Macromedia Studio MX bundle includes Flash MX, Dreamweaver MX, Fireworks MX, ColdFusion MX Developer Edition, and FreeHand 10 (or MX). Each of these topics can or does fill an entire bible of its own. (Flash MX has two bibles: one for Flash MX and one for Flash MX ActionScripting!) As you get a feel in this book for which application you want to explore or learn more about, pick up one of the bibles specific to the application in which you are interested.

The Macromedia Studio MX Bible author team offers you the benefit of a lot of inside information and first-hand experience. The authors' combined expertise encompasses being Macromedia beta testers, volunteers, and on the advisory board. You'll reap the benefits of this experience by having each author share experience from his or her respective areas of specialization. The team worked together on all portions of the book to develop the Habitat Alert Web site.

Who Is This Book For?

Macromedia Studio MX Bible is the most comprehensive reference for using all the Macromedia Web development applications together. This book will get the beginner or new user of any of the applications started and help him or her move quickly to intermediate and advanced topics. This book is also a reference for a more experienced user: you can pick it up and investigate a specific topic or application.

People who will benefit from this book are:

• Beginners using any of the Macromedia design/development tools

• Intermediate users who want to learn how to leverage the power of the entire suite of tools

• Advanced users who may be advanced in one application but not in others

• All design/developers who may be experienced in one application but not in others

• Anyone who has a desire to tap into the power of the Macromedia Studio MX design/developer tools working together

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