DWT - Dreamweaver Web Template

[dongan]

Hi,

I have just heard this term "Dreamweaver Web Template (DWT) and i thought it is really useful to use in the basic site which has 5-10 pages.

Can anyone clarify me my queries?

1) is it possible to include common header and footer? if so, how. because, in php, we can use include statement.

2) What is the advantage of using DWT rather than just copying the basic template and edit it?

3) is it simply enough to keep the template file under templates directory and call them in about.html, contact.html files? if so, how can i do that?

basically, i need a mechanism to have the common header and footer to make sure that any changes will reflect in all pages immediately.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Regards,
Dongan

[chicgeek]

A .dwt file affects html files only through dreamweaver. Every change will have to be applied to all the pages affected by the template through Dreamweaver, then the files must be uploaded again. For your header and footer situation, I would recommend sticking to .php.

When editing a page through dreamweaver, it nicely restricts users to only edit within the set confines of editable regions. For example, I created a template for various university departments to utilize - they could edit the content but not the formatting.

One template should apply to many pages (or subtemplates), so naming them like that would not be ideal.

And basically... if you are the only one maintaining the site and know how to use PHP includes, I would ignore DWTs. They're useful for the right situations, but maybe not yours.

[jesse1]

you can make a php dwt file and use php includes too

[chicgeek]

Sure, but I don't think that .dwts are even needed this time around.

[noob78]

I replied in bold below

Originally Posted by dongan

Hi,

I have just heard this term "Dreamweaver Web Template (DWT) and i thought it is really useful to use in the basic site which has 5-10 pages.

Can anyone clarify me my queries?

1) is it possible to include common header and footer? if so, how. because, in php, we can use include statement.
Yup, you can in DW. The difference is that, you won't be able to see the full page in the DW if you use PHP include feature unless you view it in the browser. Still, if you want your code to be DW independent, php include is the way to go. I use DW, just to create a quick feel and look.

2) What is the advantage of using DWT rather than just copying the basic template and edit it?
For me, I don't directly use DWT that someone else create it. Rather I copy the basic template, chop it up into nice pieces to create my own DWT. At the end, DWT will save you some time for quick global changes.

3) is it simply enough to keep the template file under templates directory and call them in about.html, contact.html files? if so, how can i do that?
I would recommend getting DW book. Template is just 1 feature of the DW but there are even PHP support as well. Like pre-coded php sql libraries, table paging, and etc... But, if you're comfortable w/ PHP, even textpad is fine. I use DW cuz I already learned it.


basically, i need a mechanism to have the common header and footer to make sure that any changes will reflect in all pages immediately.

Like you said, it can be done w/ php include, but you must use the browser to see the view. But, if you use DW then it'll show up in the design screen. Preference is upto you.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Regards,
Dongan

[Cornbread]

DWT actualy stands for Dynamic Web Template I believe and they are used in MS Web Expressions also. From what I understand they are interchangeable between the two programs.

[chicgeek]

Originally Posted by Cornbread

DWT actualy stands for Dynamic Web Template I believe and they are used in MS Web Expressions also. From what I understand they are interchangeable between the two programs.

Didn't know that. Thanks for the info!

[Cornbread]

No problem, any thoughts on why MS Web Expressions isn't catching on?