Who Should Use Dynamic HTML?

If you publish information on the Internet, on an intranet, or even on CD-ROM—in other words, if you are a content developer or a content provider—you can benefit from using Dynamic HTML. Of course, content developer and content provider are terms that can apply to just about anyone. Here are some examples:

• Individuals who want to build really cool professional or personal Web pages
• Multimedia developers who want to present content through a browser rather than through a proprietary authoring tool
• Webmasters who are seeking to enhance their company's Web site with more sophisticated "active" pages
• C++ or Java developers who want to integrate Internet technologies into their programs
• Network administrators or MIS managers who are looking at intranet technologies to replace some of their current high-cost, high-maintenance, distributed applications
• Small-business owners who want to use intranet technologies within their companies

Whether you already have content on the Web or you are looking at Web technologies for the first time, Dynamic HTML has something for you.

Some Alternate Uses for Dynamic HTML

Most people use Dynamic HTML as a delivery mechanism for content on the Web. However, there are many other situations in which it can be used. For example, we have seen DHTML used (or have used it ourselves) for help documentation distributed with applications; for high-impact, CD-based multimedia training software; and with sophisticated distributed applications. Some of this cross-functional use is due to practical and flexible features of Internet Explorer: in addition to being a Web browser, it can also be hosted as a component in other applications, acting as a display engine. For instance, you can use Internet Explorer to build a CD-ROM_based multimedia title, integrate it into an HTML editing application as a Preview panel, or build an application with a user interface written partly in C++ and partly in HTML. The specifics of how to accomplish these tasks are beyond the scope of this book; however, a great resource for Web developers is the Site Builder Network (SBN) Web site, where you can find tons of practical information such as downloadable tools and examples, articles on the latest site construction techniques, and online experts and training. An important part of the SBN Web site is the SBN Workshop, which includes extensive source material and references on a variety of topics, including attributes supported by HTML tags and details about XML and Web site design. The companion CD includes a snapshot of the SBN Web site. To get to the online version of the Workshop, go to microsoft.com/workshop/default.asp

.