Dreamweaver Tips, Asset Optimization, FTP Uploading 8/18/2016Web Development and Interactive Media

Dreamweaver Tips Always Manage Sites before starting any project – this allows DW to manage your linked files for you. Eg. If you need to change a filename, DW will update all your code to reflect the new filename instead of you having to do it manually. Access and edit your files using DW’s File Manager – this allows DW to effectively manage your links Use split view – so you can see your code and design at the same time Use line numbers (on the left) to refer to your code Dreamweaver color-codes your HTML and CSS. Learn which elements are shown in which colors and you’ll be able to spot and debug errors quickly When coding CSS, use DW’s tooltips instead of typing the code yourself. Begin from semi-colon, type a space, and the tool will pop up. This helps eliminate spelling errorsa nd typos

Asset Optimization “Optimization” involves several advanced aspects, including “search engine optimization” or SEO, which involves server-side, assets and platform optimization. During this course we will be focusing on Asset Optimization Ensure all images and code are as small as possible so that your webpages will load as fast as possible Images must be 72dpi, RGB and as small (in dimensions and filesize/kb) as possible without sacrificing desired dimensions or image quality. Use PNGs, GIFs or JPGs. Code efficiently – keep it clean and short. Don’t include unnecessary code. Use coding shorthand.

FTP Uploading File Transfer Protocol is used to upload files to a web server There are many apps for FTP transfers, eg: Smart FTP, CoreFTP, Fetch. FileZilla is one that’s free and open source. You need a hostname, username and password (you will be assigned one for this class) FTP apps usually work like a regular drag-and-drop window (like Dropbox or iCloud) ONLY upload the files inside your root. DO NOT upload Illustrator/Photoshop design mockups, info architecture, wireframes, Word docs etc. Uploading these unnecessary files will clog your web server and slow down your website. (This is a part of asset optimization.)