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Making Your Site Dynamic

Client Side (Browser) Programming

You have certainly heard the names of the programming languages used for client side programming — JavaScript, Java and ActiveX have been the talk of the web for some time. These languages allow you create some glitzy and entertaining pages. Some of these are listed below. 
 
• Smooth animated graphics. 
• Scrolling text. 
• Custom text in the browser's status bar. 
• Floating images. 
• Current (and constantly updated) date and time. 


A drawback is that not all browsers can properly interpret and run the programs. JavaScript is not the same on Netscape and Internet Explorer, and each version of browser has a subset of what it will recognize. Java is very much a changing technology. Even the courts had to get involved to try to make it compatible from one browser to another. Java is very CPU intensive compared to straight HTML or even JavaScript Pages. Although we've all heard about each company trying to make their version of JAVA the standard and thus making it non-compatible with you other browser. Older versions of those browsers may or may not be Java enabled. Internet Explorer version 4.0 is currently the only browser that will reliably interpret and run sophisticated ActiveX programs. 

Furthermore, the browser's ability to run JavaScript, Java, and ActiveX may be disabled by the user. 

If you desire the great things client side programming can give you, please be aware that not all your visitors will be able to see the content. An alternate display should be available and automatically presented — which, in many cases, requires client side programming to accomplish. 

An advantage with client side programming is that, in most cases, the entire program loads into your browser. This may allow you to use/run the web page without being connected to the Internet. Some visual effects can currently be produced only with client side programming. 

Server Side (CGI) programs: 

In contrast to client side programs, virtually all browsers, and all their versions, are compatible with CGI. CGI means "Common Gateway Interface" and is a standard method for browsers and servers to communicate with each other. 

So long as the standard method (protocol) is followed, it doesn't matter which browser is asking for information or what software the server is running that will provide the answers. The server can run any program, written in any language that can run on its operating system platform. 

Perl is one of the most common CGI programming languages because the same script can be used on all popular platforms — provided only that the interpreter/compiler is already resident on that system. Most public Internet servers set up for CGI have both Perl 4 and Perl 5 resident because of its popularity. 

It is apparently unlimited when it comes to applications that fit within the protocol. CGI is used for 
 

• Guest books 
• Forums 
• Creating web pages dynamically 
• Requesting information 
• Mailing systems 
• Maintaining mailing lists 
• Surveys and tests 
• Presenting and/or manipulating database contents 
• Creating graphics dynamically 
• Visitor tracking and presenting statistics 
• Shopping carts 
• Password verification and/or updating 
• Message boards 
• Auctions 


CGI can even be used (as examples) to launch a program on the server, mail a letter, and then return a browser page indicating that all jobs have been completed. 

Custom Programming

If you have done some programming or are proficient in at least one programming language, you may wish to do your own CGI and web server programming. If not the actual programming, you may feel up to acquiring and installing existing programs (visit Perl 101). The source for Perl and a developer's site, www.perl.com, is a must-visit if you're thinking about delving into Perl programming. 
 

For online research, Macmillan Computer Publishing's Personal Bookshelf is hard to beat. The website has several hundred computer and internet related titles available to "check out" of their electronic library.