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As word about web
services has spread in the last year and actual implementations
of web services appear on the scene, it's apparent that web
services aren't just another technological fad. In fact, web
services are actually helping XML deliver on its promise of
platform and language-independent distributed applications.
Until recently, "consuming" web services (that is,
using the functionality of another developer's web service on
your web pages) was reserved for web developers already familiar
with XML and an application server language. That has all changed
with Dreamweaver MX. Although it's still a good idea to learn
XML and at least one coding language, Dreamweaver MX allows you
easily to consume web services created by other developers without
an extensive coding background. No knowledge of XML is required
and using a web service on your web pages is practically as easy
as drag-and-drop. This article briefly reviews what web
services are, steps you through the process of using Macromedia
Dreamweaver MX to consume Google.com's popular web service, and
shows you how to create a sample application using some of the
newest and coolest features in Macromedia ColdFusion MX. Keep
in mind that using web services with Dreamweaver MX is not limited
to the ColdFusion MX application server platform alone. You can
also implement web services through ASP.Net
or a J2EE application server, such as Macromedia
JRun 4.
Requirements
Dreamweaver MX 2004 (Note: This tutorial also works with
Dreamweaver MX)
If you're a beginner, start with the
first section, "Overview
of web services." If you're more familiar with web services
and wish to learn how to use them in Dreamweaver MX, start with
the section called "Consuming web services in Dreamweaver
MX."
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