Web Design 101: Web Scripting

If a web site contains only static content, HTML and CSS usually are enough to get the job done. However, if the content on the page needs to be dynamic, or able to change, the web site will require some kind of scripting. A script is a web application created with one of many scripting languages. Scripts can be either "client-side" or "server-side" scripts. A client-side script is executed by the user's browser, while a server side script is executed by the web server.

The most popular client side scripting language is Javascript. The advantage of Javascript is that it is very easy to learn and is very powerful for simple scripting needs. One example of a use for Javascript is to create buttons that change color when moused over. The down side to Javascript as well as other client-side scripting is that the script does not execute if the user has Javascript turned off on his or her browser.

Server-side scripting is an alternative if user accessibility is a high priority. Examples of server-side scripting technologies are PHP, ASP, ASP.net, and JSP. The difference between client-side and server-side scripting is that server-side scripts run on the system that is hosting the site. This can allow for faster execution of the code and eliminates the need for the user to have the script execution enabled. The script is run onsite and the user's web browser essentially reads the output as a regular HTML page.