Layout Question for mx 2004

[Blueman2]

I have used tables previously and want to move on to css. My version of Dreamweaver 2004mx offers the possibility of using Layers (vial the insert Bar) or inserting DIVS. Although they appear easy to place and use (and I realize they are almost the same thing), it's my understanding that most people have moved away from inserting layers. I just wanted to know:

Should I forget about layers entirely and go directly to inserting DIVS?

If I do ""Insert Layers" is there a way to convert them to true DIVS?

Please confirm my understanding that in order to have full control over DIVS, I must first create the DIV by inserting and then create a Style in the external style sheet using the name of the DIV witrh a # in front or is there another way that Dreamweaver 2004mx can recognizes the DIV I created as a style giving me a headstart as CS3 apparently does?
Thanks

 

[lebisol]

Hey PostBlueman2
In short it is the difference between 'Div tag' and 'AP Div' in only in the DW world. AP Div is what DW used to have in older version as something you can click-insert-drag while the css properites are being generated for you. This is very good tool if you are not too comfortable with CSS and it is a quick and dirty way of getting some css code produced without questioning it or learning it.
However, its pitfall is that people can abuse the WYSIWYG and end up with mess of nested layers (divs) and later down the line struggle to get a page that is cross-browser compatible and ton of unnecessary code.

On the other hand Div tag assumes that you will handle css manually and will build it by hand...it doesn't matter if the css is external or embedded it is the same end result although I would suggest to keep the html and css seprated...it is much cleaner code and easier to update down the line.
About difference of '#somename' and '.somename' see

http://www.tizag.com/cssT/cssid.php

Personally I prefer other CSS editors (TopStyle) over build it rendering that DW provides.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/06/19/css-editors-reviewed/

All the best!

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