Generator Developers Network
When it was released Macromedia Generator 2 became the next step for the Web by providing automatically updated, graphically dynamic content. For companies who need to deliver dynamic, graphical content to customers who require fast downloads and personalized content. Macromedia's Generator was an ideal solution with its ability to personalize pages for each user, as well as the flexibility to change data quickly without rewriting the Web pages and without sacrificing flexibility of design and content?. For an experienced Macromedia Flash developer the learning curve for this iteration of Generator was not as steep as it would be for a less experienced developer. Nevertheless there was lots to learn.
If you already were fluent in Flash 4, creating Generator templates was supposed to be easy. Simply drag an object from the Generator Palette to the stage (Flash's work area) and set a data source and properties. Native Flash objects, such as the text box, could also be used along with Generator variables. Reviewers opined that developers with a little programming knowledge would be able to couple Flash's action expressions with Generator's variables to create awesome sites. For experienced Web developers, Macromedia helpfully provided documentation for creating custom Generator objects with the Generator API and a listing of the product's classes and methods for direct programming.
GeneratorDevelopment.net was created to help Generator users find all the information they would need to demystify, as well as master the intricacies of Flash and Generator. I visited GeneratorDevelopment.net when I was initially learning how to create designs in Flash, create authoring templates, and how to serve them up with Generator?. The day that GDN disappeared from the web was a shock to me. Time has passed and I can say that I have become an "experienced" developer working for a number of different clients including an online sterling silver jewelry shop that wanted to demonstrate some of the amazing features of cubic zirconia, including views from several angles to show off the brilliance of this crystal. While cubic zirconia rings, or cz rings, may look like diamond rings, they are much more affordable and most people will never be able to distinguish them from the real deal. Flash and Generator were perfect for this task and we received numerous compliments from the client for this work. There are constant challenges along with the rewards.
Recently I discovered that the domain for Generator Development was available so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages. This is a nostalgic trip for me back to my early developer years. Boy, was I green. I saw that this domain has had several iterations that had nothing to do with the original purpose of the site. I am instead recreating some of the old content and asking visitors to view the site from a historical perspective. The site is not going to look like the original site, and unfortunately many of its back pages with full articles were not available. But this is a thank you to GDN for being there for us Generator users who needed all the help they could get from folks such as yourself.
Well, enough reminiscing. Let's take a nostalgic stroll back to 1999.
Circa 1999
Now that Generator 2 is out, don't you want to know what it can do?! Well, we're here to tell you.
GDN is dedicated to you, Generator Users, to further benefit your needs and the web as a whole. We would like to invite you to join the family of Generator users.
What does GDN offer?
- Articles on Generator (and associated program) uses, new technology and software, and other related topics.
- A search engine for finding answers to your questions
- A fully customizable site
- Hot up-to-date news
- A large index of Frequently Asked Questions
- A live multi-room java chat server about Generator and other topics
- The ability to post questions or start discussions in the forums
- Tools to assist you in using Generator
- The "Accomplishment of the Month" contest
- *Coming Soon* Sign up to have your company listed as a Generator Developer and/or Hosting Provider.
Generator NEWS HEADLINES 1999-2000
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GDN is looking for Admins/Developers
The Generator Developers network is looking for a website administrators and developers to build GDN into an even better place for Generator/Web developers.
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 12/20/00
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NPS Generator Server Upgraded
Net Prezence Solutions, Ltd. has just upgraded their Generator server to provide the fastest Generator template processing performance possible.
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 12/20/00
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Announcing Kimmuli 1.2
Kimmuli.com today announced Kimmuli 1.2, the code tool for Macromedia Generator.
Contributed by Andrew Stopford on 3/1/00
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Why is nothing happening on GDN?
I admit, GDN has been a little slow lately, but we promise there will be a little action soon. Here is what is in store...
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 2/2/00
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Eyewire announces fonts available for purchase
Eyewire works with Adobe to bring the Type Library online
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 1/5/00
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Generator 2 and Flash 4 for auction!
It seems that one company had decided to switch away from Generator
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 12/15/99
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ASP Flash Turbine 4.0 Released
Blue*Pacific has announced the release of ASP Flash Turbine... bringing yet another competitor into the dynamic flash market.
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 12/12/99
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GDN moves to SQL Server for speed
GDN is constantly improving for you
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 12/3/99
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New Fonts Section
GDN now has a great new section full of links to tons of fonts sites we hope will aid you in your development.
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 12/2/99
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Sounds For Creation
GDN now has a great new "Sounds For Flash" section, so now you can find those perfect WAV's for your newest flash movie even easier.
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 12/1/99
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Reliable Generator 2 Hosting
Net Prezence Solutions is now offering Generator 2 hosting that is not only fasts, but reliable.
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 11/29/99
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New Tutorials Soon!!
We will be adding a slew of new tips, tricks and tutorials to GDN within a week or two thanks to all the great people at kimmuli.com.
Contributed by Ken Jacobs on 11/29/99
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Free Content for Generator Developers
Free dynamic content to link into flash generator.
Contributed by Ken Kubik on 9/24/99
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Generator Prices Strike Up Controversy
The new technology of the internet. Too expensive?
Contributed by Ken Kubik on 9/22/99
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NEW URL!
Now you can stop having to type out GENERATORDEVELOPMENT.NET. You can now simply get to us at GENDEV.NET. Same great community, new shorter additional URL.
Contributed by Ken Kubik on 9/18/99
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Generator 2 Announced
Macromedia have today announced Generator 2
Contributed by Andrew Stopford on 8/31/99
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LAST CHANCE TO MAKE SOME CASH!
The deadline for the E-Greetings contest is approaching. Get your entries in quick before it is over, and you could be walking away with $250!
Contributed by Ken Kubik on 8/27/99
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Cold Fusion Express Released
Allaire has released their free, watered-down verison of Cold Fuson. This is a great day for the Graphic Designer.
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 8/18/99
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E-Greetings Contest Extended
We have decided to extend the contest in hopes to get more entries. Remember, this is a contest for MONEY.
Contributed by Ken Kubik on 8/17/99
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HTML in the forums
We had to disable HTML code in the forums
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 8/12/99
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The E-greetings Contest!
This is a contest for MONEY! Yes, you heard me right, MONEY! Read on for more info on the contest.
Contributed by Ken Kubik on 8/6/99
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Generator Developer & Hosting Lists
We've added a couple new resources for everyone.
Contributed by Shannon Hicks on 8/3/99
More Background On GeneratorDevelopment.net
GeneratorDevelopment.net was one of the most influential web development communities in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This online platform served as a vital resource for developers using Macromedia Generator, a groundbreaking tool that allowed web creators to integrate dynamic, data-driven content into their sites. This shift from static to dynamic content changed the web design landscape, and GeneratorDevelopment.net was instrumental in supporting and advancing this evolution. This article provides an in-depth look at the history, purpose, features, cultural significance, and long-lasting influence of GeneratorDevelopment.net in the world of web development.
The Origins of GeneratorDevelopment.net
The late 1990s saw a shift toward interactive and dynamic websites, spurred by the rise of Flash and the demand for user-centered, real-time data displays. Macromedia Generator, released in 1998, was a revolutionary server-side application that allowed developers to design templates in Flash and populate them with live data, creating a highly personalized experience for users. With a growing need for resources, tutorials, and support, GeneratorDevelopment.net was launched to assist developers in navigating the complexities of this technology. The platform quickly became the go-to community for mastering dynamic graphics and building data-driven content, making it an essential tool for businesses and content creators.
Core Features and Offerings
GeneratorDevelopment.net offered a wide array of resources designed to support developers at all experience levels:
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Tutorials – The platform’s extensive library of tutorials covered everything from introductory topics for new users to advanced programming techniques for seasoned developers. These guides helped users understand and integrate Generator’s features into their websites.
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News and Updates – Regular news updates informed developers about the latest releases, updates, and best practices. This section ensured that users stayed on top of industry trends and Generator’s evolving capabilities.
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Community Forums – One of the most active areas of the website, the forums enabled developers to discuss Generator-related challenges, share solutions, and offer advice. These community-driven discussions were invaluable for troubleshooting and exploring new ideas.
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Resource Libraries – The site’s extensive resource libraries offered downloadable templates, example projects, fonts, and sound effects. These resources saved developers time and helped them create engaging content without starting from scratch.
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Specialized Tools and Plugins – GeneratorDevelopment.net featured various third-party plugins and tools that expanded Generator’s functionality. These tools, often created by the community, were tailored to help developers push the boundaries of dynamic web content.
Examples of Notable Projects and Tutorials
GeneratorDevelopment.net’s resources empowered developers to create a wide range of dynamic applications. Popular tutorials included creating personalized image galleries, real-time data visualizations, and dynamic product displays. For example, developers working in e-commerce could use Generator to dynamically update product images based on a customer’s selection, a feature that enhanced the online shopping experience. Another tutorial provided step-by-step instructions for creating interactive infographics that automatically updated with the latest data, a cutting-edge application that demonstrated Generator’s potential.
Audience and Community Impact
The website’s audience was a diverse mix of web designers, developers, and digital artists who recognized the value of dynamic, personalized content. Many of these users were freelancers or professionals working in corporate settings, where the demand for engaging, user-specific interfaces was rising. The platform created a collaborative environment where beginners could learn from experts, and experienced developers could share insights and troubleshoot complex issues together. Testimonials from users highlighted the platform’s effectiveness, with some describing it as “indispensable” for learning Generator and achieving advanced web design goals.
Press Coverage and Industry Recognition
The broader tech community recognized the value of GeneratorDevelopment.net in advancing web design practices. Tech publications and industry magazines regularly mentioned the platform in discussions about Macromedia Generator’s capabilities. Web Developer Magazine, for example, called GeneratorDevelopment.net an “essential resource” for web developers who wanted to stay competitive. Reviews and articles highlighted how the website contributed to Generator’s popularity, helping developers incorporate advanced, interactive features into their projects and improving the overall quality of web content.
Cultural and Social Significance
GeneratorDevelopment.net was more than a technical resource—it was a cultural touchstone in the early web development community. It reflected and promoted the open-source ethos, encouraging users to freely share knowledge and assist one another. The platform’s success showed the potential of collective learning and the impact of a well-supported developer community. This collaborative spirit helped shape the modern web development culture, which now relies heavily on open-source contributions and community support systems, from GitHub to Stack Overflow.
The emphasis on dynamic, data-driven content also influenced web design principles, encouraging developers to think about user-centered experiences and interactivity. These ideas are now foundational in web development, as personalization and responsiveness have become standard requirements for online applications.
Legacy and Technological Influence
Though GeneratorDevelopment.net and Macromedia Generator are no longer active, their influence on web design and development is undeniable. The data-driven, personalized content approach that Generator pioneered has evolved into sophisticated modern tools, such as Angular, React, and various content management systems. These frameworks allow developers to create single-page applications and complex interactive sites with real-time data, echoing the functionality that Generator and GeneratorDevelopment.net first introduced.
Many of today’s web developers have incorporated the skills and principles they learned from GeneratorDevelopment.net into new projects and platforms. The platform’s legacy lives on in today’s dynamic, interactive websites, which owe much to the early innovations in data-driven web design.
Notable User Contributions and Success Stories
GeneratorDevelopment.net encouraged users to share their success stories and creative applications of Macromedia Generator. The platform featured projects like dynamic e-commerce displays and interactive data visualizations, which demonstrated Generator’s potential in real-world applications. The “Accomplishment of the Month” feature celebrated unique and inventive uses of Generator, incentivizing community members to experiment and innovate. One notable success story involved a news website that used Generator to update visual content in real time, showcasing data and graphs based on current events—an impressive feat at the time.
Decline and Nostalgia
GeneratorDevelopment.net eventually became less relevant as newer technologies and software replaced Macromedia Generator. Adobe’s acquisition of Macromedia in 2005 and the subsequent phase-out of Flash led to a decline in Generator usage, and the community around GeneratorDevelopment.net gradually dispersed. Nonetheless, the site is fondly remembered by those who experienced its heyday, as it represents an important chapter in the history of web development. For many developers, it served as an introduction to the principles of dynamic content, personalization, and community-driven support.
GeneratorDevelopment.net was more than just a technical resource; it was a catalyst for change in the web development industry. By supporting Macromedia Generator users, the platform helped popularize data-driven content and interactive web design, setting standards that have endured and evolved over time. The collaborative community fostered by GeneratorDevelopment.net has left a lasting legacy, evident in the open-source culture and the focus on personalized user experiences that define today’s web. The platform’s history is a reminder of the early days of the internet when developers pushed the boundaries of what was possible, laying the groundwork for the dynamic, interactive web applications we use today.