Hello Jenn,
You can use live view/inspect to edit your site based on the remote file directory only. However, because php files and commands are dispersed throughout the WP theme and framework you are limited in see all the data on a single page. For example, if you view your home page in live view and inspect you will probably only see the div tags/parts which are found on a single file, like body.html. So, you would have to select specific .css files and other content files in order to find the bits and pieces which WP organizes together. Thus explains the benefit of using a local server.
As of now, DW CS5 can only utilize the power of the local server to enable you to see ALL the WP bits in real time-"live view".
Lynda.com has a great video on setting up your local server, installing WP and establishing WP on your DW cs5 site. Search for Dreamweaver CS5 & Wordpress In addition they have sections related to DW/WP integration.
Setting up a local server & DWsite is really easy. Connecting that site to the remote server is another story. Which is where I ran into difficulty. I made it as far as setting up a MySQL data base on the remote server, then I had to call an expert for help because those who know how to finish the problem and willing to walk you through it are rare.
What I did learn was that it is very helpful if you name your MySQL databases the same and you give them the same username and passwords. This pretains to the part where you edit the config.php page, so it holds the same data.
I did find a great coach who walked me through it during a Skype session. His name is Jeff Lambert and his site is: WebPhysiology.com
I actually found him on a LinkedIN group called, Wordpress Experts.
In addition to helping integrate my local and remote directories, he helped me change some data prefix tables in my data base so that I am less vulnerable to hacks.
And, he helped me organize my theme files so that I am editing the child theme rather than the integrated parent theme. (my theme is pageLines and it's a frameworked theme, which is really not the best type of theme to be editing in DreamWeaver).
So, Jeff helped me beyond my expectations and taught me more about DW and site setup/structure than I ever wanted to know:)
I was so relieved after his help because I spent the last month failing at this DW setup and constantly feeling anxious because I thought that I was doing something wrong.
If you've connected to your site remotely, you are doing nothing wrong, DWcs5's live/inspect tools are somewhat limited when it comes to that type of setup.
Although you can setup a local server after you have setup the remote server, Jeff has said that this type of setup is not 100% fool proof; so, it's best to set up just like DW and the tutorials instruct.
You'll make it!
And, you can check out my site; although, I am still developing it.
All the Best,
Dustin
* if this response has helped you I would appreciate you checking the "yes, my question, has been answered box" and pass the knowledge along; Thanks!
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