Additional features:

• Is usually Client-side Scripting verses Server-side
• Is event-driven (the user does something to trigger the script)
• Is interpreted by the browser (not compiled)
• Platform Independent ( can run on Windows, Mac or UNIX)
• Although it is easier to learn than full blown programming languages, the learning curve is fairly steep

Return to top

Following are just a few examples.

Sample 1. Click to see several JavaScript examples

Sample 2. See a sample popup window created with Dreamweaver Behaviors

Sample 3. See a sample of popup text created with Dreamweaver Behaviors.

Sample 4. All of the Quizzes in this site are JavaScript. The were created easily using a Dreamweaver add-on called "Course Builder".

Return to top

Macromedia Fireworks is the greatest thing since sliced bread! Use it to create graphics, rollovers, image swapping and complete Web pages. The best part is, Fireworks writes the JavaScript and the HTML for you!

Additional features:

• The learning curve is marginal
• Create vector graphics or import bitmap images
• Fireworks MX is the latest release
• It delivers a streamlined environment for creating everything from simple graphical buttons to sophisticated rollover effects
• Create animated .gif files

The new MX version simplifies navigation creation with easier pop-up menu creation and even more control

Users can deliver both horizontal and vertical JavaScript pop-up menus that work with tabbed button bar appearances and other creative layouts, and pop-up menu attributes are all customizable including spacing, borders, and color shading.

Wizards enable users to quickly create sophisticated web navigation by automatically generating the graphics and JavaScript

To learn more about Fireworks and download a trial copy, visit http://www.macromedia.com/software/fireworks/productinfo/features/

Return to top

This Web site is full of Fireworks samples. Fireworks does more than just JavaScript. The home page was initially created in Fireworks, then exported to this Dreamweaver Web. The page background with the twinkling stars? You guessed it! Created in Fireworks. The graphic of the stars was created first, then the animation was added.

Image Slicing / image swapping - Rest your mouse over each square

Image Map - created totally in Fireworks and then exported to Dreamweaver. Image maps are NOT created with JavaScript. They are done with HTML code. I placed this sample here as a Fireworks illustration only.

Return to top

Macromedia Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage are the leading Web Creation editors today. Both include various tools for creating interactive JavaScript without writing code. This Web site was created using Dreamweaver. At the top of this page is a sample of JavaScript created using Dreamweaver. To view the sample, simply rest your mouse pointer over the picture of the woman and child. Two images will swap on mouseover. This is JavaScript, but I created it by using built in Dreamweaver behaviors, rather than writing the code.

I teach a JavaScript class at the college where I work. I have yet to met a student who would rather write code than use a visual tool to create the same effects! JavaScript code is very tedious. It is case sensitive, space sensitive and unforgiving. It is good to know it, but even those of us who do would rather use a tool if available. The advantage of knowing how to write the code is being able to tweak when needed, and of course, not everything is available via visual tools.

Return to top