216 - #73449
226 - #73500
August 19th - December 10th, 2013
Using Dreamweaver Databases on Web pages
Many sites on the Web make use of databases to store Web content, customer or member information, and many other things. However, until Dreamweaver implemented it's database connection utilities, a developer had to hand code all of the pages using a special server-side language. However, using Dreamweaver, it's possible to use databases on your Web site without ever writing a line of code. You can do it all with point and click dialog boxes. This capability is so handy, that once you learn how to use it, you'll find a million ways to employ it on every site you do. You'll wonder how you ever created sites without it.
An obvious use is for stores where product categories and information are stored in the database. Whenever product information changes, the store owner can visit a special admin section and use Web forms to update the information in the database. The next person who visits the site automatically gets the new information. You can use this capability to take registrations for conference, store information on orders from the site, store customer contact information, etc. Some business sites keep press releases in a database, while others just keep the content for each page there. Membership and church sites keep information on upcoming events there. I've seen sites about golf courses, recipes, hiking trails, etc. in databases, as well.
One of the wonderful parts of this is that using the database cuts down astronomically on the numbers of individual pages that you have to maintain for your site.
Some Topics of Study include:
- Creating simple databases
- Configuring Dreamweaver to work with databases
- Establishing a database connection from a Web page
- Displaying content from databases on Web pages
- Creating Web-based forms that add, modify and delete records in a database
- Planning and implementing a Web application that makes use of databases
- Protecting access to Web pages using usernames and passwords
- Providing a special password protected area where site administrators can keep the database information current
Prerequisites
GCMW 102 with Dreamweaver or the equivalent knowledge/experience. You should know how to use Dreamweaver to create normal HTML Web pages.
GCMW 226
GCMW 226 is the advanced section of Web Database Design. Because the state is no longer allowing students to repeat a class, student who have already taken GCMW 216, but who would like to repeat the class, should sign up for GCMW 226. Please email me to let me know if you are signing up for GCMW 226, and we will discuss your goals for the class. An appropriate plan will be developed.
Check Back Often:
This page will be updated with more information. Please check back often. Once you have registered for the class, be sure to get your books and software so that you are ready to start the first week of class.
Textbooks and Web Hosting
For GCMW 216, you won't need to purchase a textbook. We'll be using readings that are freely available on the Web.
You will, however, need to provide your own Web hosting. Please do not get it before class begins, because there are certain very important things that your hosting will need to support. We'll discuss that the first week of class. This will typically cost less than $10 per month, so it will not be a major expense for you.
Applying to Palomar and Registering for the Class
You can apply to Palomar College Online and register for the class. Please go to: Eservices - Apply to Palomar.
Your application to Palomar College is free. When you apply, you will be given a student ID number. Once you have your student ID number, you will be able to register online for classes.
Register at: https://eservices.palomar.edu/psp/pals9prd/?cmd=login&languageCd=ENG&
Tuition
Tuition is very low for students with a California address. At the present time tuition is $46 per unit for California students. Those who live outside of California, pay an additional $176 per unit fee.