Inspired by this
thread [webmasterworld.com]
Do
- Do work in code, or mixed code/design view: view > code, or code and design
- Do turn off auto indenting - use you own!: edit > preferences > code format > uncheck indent box
- Do strip out template inserted comments before you ftp: modify > templates > export (for non Contribute sites!)
- Do use clean up HTML command: commands > clean up HTML - specify attributes to update
- Do create simple and logical directory structure to avoid: ../../../../../images/image.gif
- Do use the CSS shorthand rule command: edit > preferences > css styles > tick boxes to suit
- Do use the 'show attributes when inserting' command for images and tables: edit > preferences > accessibility...
- Do check your design regularly using compliant browsers (F12): edit > preferences > preview in browser > + (find browser)
- Do use validate markup command: file > validate > validate markup (use with w3 validator [validator.w3.org])
- Do use the 'check links sitewide' command: (site view) > site > checklinks site wide
- Do keep it Simple, edit it the way you feel comfortable and stick to a pattern; In other words keep you code consistent!
- Do place DW generated Jscript into external files
- Do recreate you site cache from time to time (especially if you use templates and library includes)
Don't
- Don't just use Design view - it'll hamper you ability to 'clean as you cook'
- Don't let DW do too much - keep it well reined in, if you point and click to often the code will bulk up quickly
- Don't use the import firework html. For rollovers use CSS [webmasterworld.com], for popup-menus [webmasterworld.com] seek a decent script [google.com]
- Don't rely on the properties palette to format text
- Don't use Dreamweaver Layers! Use <div>'s and CSSP [webmasterworld.com]!
- Don't expect Dreamweaver to do a good job alone - it's a tool like any other
This is all I can think of for now. Please add or criticise as you see fit :)
