Get Started with Dynamic Data in GoLive

Website designers and managers are finding they no longer need to be expert programmers to reap the benefits of a behind-the-scenes database. In Adobe GoLive 6.0, it's a simple matter:

• run a dynamic data wizard,
• use a few drag-and-drop commands, and
• understand some basics

...and you're off and running with dynamic data.

This tutorial shows you how to do just that, using Adobe GoLive 6.0 in tandem with a simple Microsoft Access database.

Once you understand this process, you'll find useful and interesting ways to modify it. We've used a similar database to drive an alumni directory for a university. Individuals can log in and dynamically update the information the school has on file for them. Similarly, any business with a set of known clients can let individuals view certain data and keep it current. The time it takes to master this technique is negligible when you consider that the university's administrators, for example, no longer have to manually enter address or phone number changes for alumni.

Step 1. Covering the Basics

First things first: I'll assume you have a hosting account with an ISP (Internet Services Provider) or otherwise have access to server space in which to publish a site or sites. I'll also assume you have basic familiarity with GoLive software, and plan to use GoLive 6.0. Third, an entry-level understanding of how a database works is helpful. Fourth, go ahead and update to GoLive 6.0.1 at: http://www.adobe.com/products/golive/main.html. It's well worth it!

The first question to answer is: does your Web host allow the use of ASP, PHP, and/or MySQL data on their servers? Major ISPs often do. Check it out with them, because if they do, GoLive will automatically confirm that everything you need is in place. This means you can skip the entire procedure in the GoLive 6.0 manual "Preparing a site on a Web server." If your ISP or server isn't ready, you will need to set up your own server per the manual, or find a server that can accommodate your database. Also, GoLive includes pre-configured server environments that you can run on the same system as the GoLive client. See your Adobe Web Workgroup Server CD for more information on installing the preconfigured servers.

To get started, create a blank GoLive site. Don't worry about how it will look. At this point, I map out the flow of my site's pages using GoLive Design Diagrams, but all you need to do is create a page or two to get the database running, as we'll discuss in Step 2.

If you prefer, you can download a ZIP file containing our example sites using both ASP and PHP. Download the sample sites here.

Step 2. Getting Ready for Takeoff

The Database

Now you need a database. It will act as your "data source" in GoLive, and we'll explain what that is in Step 4. We've created a simple Microsoft Access database and included it with our ASP sample site, but of course, you can create one yourself. Whatever database tool you choose (Access is just one example), you'll need to know what data this file will hold based on the information you want to store and/or present to your viewers.

Our sample database has one table that contains five fields: an AutoID field that gives each record a unique identifier, plus four user-defined fields for:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Phone
• Password

The database should also be password-protected (we didn't password-protect our sample, though, so you can use it as a starter), which you can do in Access by choosing Tools > Security > Set Database Password.

When your database has these or similar elements, set it aside.

Placeholder Pages in GoLive

Now, back to your GoLive site. You'll need to mock up two main pages with placeholder content. At this point don't worry about Dynamic Content, just focus on visual layout. The firspage is a Search page where a person can enter keywords and search your directory. Name this page index.html or whatever suits you. The page should contain the following minimum elements:

• Search Form with text field and submit button
• Table to display the search results in a row by row format
• Form for login using last name and password in order to edit a record

The second page is an Edit page, where an individual who logs in can update their record. Call this page edit.html or any other appropriate name. You can work with our sample pages if you like, or at least view them to see the page elements you'll need.