Sams Teach Yourself Dreamweaver Ultradev 4 in 21 days [Illustrated] (Paperback)

The book is in three sections (one for each week). The first week introduces UltraDev, particularly the DreamWeaver HTML design features and site management tools. It also covers DHTML and UltraDev 4's new Flash tools. Finally on day six, we get to dynamic Web sites and how they link to databases. The real work starts in week two, showing you how to connect UltraDev to databases and how to start building database-driven Web pages. The coverage of UltraDev's server behaviours is very detailed with a lot of examples; this is the real meat of the book especially when it comes to writing your own SQL queries. There are also some very helpful sections on database design and good coverage of one of the most complex issues in dynamic Web-site development, setting up and managing user sessions. On a more basic level, it explains how to link to Access or MySQL for designing your database and then explains why you will want something more powerful for your live server. The examples stick mainly to ASP but there are hints on how to work with Cold Fusion and JSP as well.

Week three takes what you've learned so far and shows you how to turn it into a working Web site by building a message board and a personalised news site. This includes the intricacies of using databases for authentication. Finally, the book ends with walking you through building and deploying a simple catalogue-based e-commerce site.

This is a useful introduction to using UltraDev; it's clear and well written with useful tips (which aren't as well indexed as they could be). It doesn't really have the depth of information that experienced Web developers will be looking for, however if you are not sure what you want to do with UltraDev, this book will give you more of an idea of what it's capable of as well as teaching you how to actually use it. --Penny Jannifer

Sams Teach Yourself Dreamweaver UltraDev 4 in 21 Days teaches you all the skills you need to get up and running effectively with Dreamweaver UltraDev 4. The tutorial approach aids you in learning the basics quickly and then moves on to the more advanced features and concepts. By the end of the 21 days, you will know how to create dynamic Web sites containing database interactivity, streamline ASP content, write custom validations and extend functionality with JavaScript, design enhanced navigation of the Web site, and incorporate interactivity. Written by leading trainer and developer John Ray, you will benefit from expert tips for more effective site design.