create a master (dwt like) file in WeBuilder 2010

[woodgeek]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum but not to WeBuilder. I have used it since 2007. I'm a big fan!

I use many php includes in my sites, but I'd like to graduate to having more of a MASTER page to make larger sites even more tolerable to update (like a .dwt). If a master is not really possible, I'd at least like to know if anyone has used includes for web page headers from the doctype on down if that's possible. I saw a few posts regarding preprocessors, but I'd like to see an example. That would really help me!

Thanks in advance,

WoodGeek

[Karlis]

There is an article about preprocessor in the help file.

Code preprocessor allows you to use certain dynamic content elements in your plain HTML. These elements are updated each time you save the file.

For example, you can insert date stamp that is automatically updated each time you save the file with WeBuilder.

Currently Supported Elements

Date stamp

Syntax:
<!--%DateStamp%--><!---->

Example:
<!--%DateStamp%-->2008.04.11.<!---->

Time stamp

Syntax:
<!--%TimeStamp%--><!---->

Example:
<!--%TimeStamp%-->2008.04.11.<!---->

File include

Syntax:
<!--%IncFile filepath%-->
<!---->

Example:
<!--%IncFile c:\my web\header.htm%-->
<!---->


you could use this last part:

<!--%IncFile c:\my web\header.htm%-->
<!---->

But easier still would be to use PHP techniques.

[woodgeek]

Thanks Karlis,

I had searched the help file for "master" and "dwt", but not "preprocessor". Thanks also for your suggestion that php includes would probably be easier.

I never had a site so large before that I needed to use includes for the header! (I mostly use them for navigation, etc.).

Also, I will try to do most anything so that I don't have to use a commercial product where too much is done for me. I like working under the hood and writing the code myself. I can learn more that way.

I will try a test php header and see how it goes!

thanks,

-WoodGeek

[notuo]

What I do is to build the page as I need, then after is tested, I split it into pieces:

head.php
header.php
nav.php
footer.php

at least. Some times I need more.

later, I modify the file with includes and save all the pieces and the original and test.
Then, the next pages are built upon this template I just made.

[woodgeek]

Thanks Notuo;

I do that too, but have never used includes for the head (doctype, etc.).

I used Dreamweaver years ago and would still like to have a master doc where I can change/rearrange my pages.

(We moved to a database driven site later as it grew.) I may have to bite the bullet and go that way too.

Thanks for your response.

-WoodGeek