Web Development Tutorial - Server-side scripting

Summary

This chapter shifts focus from front-end to server-side technologies, explaining the evolution of server-side scripting from CGI scripts to modern languages like PHP and Java. It details how scripts process data, interact with databases, and enhance dynamic web experiences, while also discussing the security benefits and performance challenges they present. The summary highlights the blending of client-side and server-side scripting for seamless user experiences in web development.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The chapter shifts focus from front-end to server-side technologies used to create dynamic websites.
• 📜 Server-side scripting is any programming that runs on a web server, including form processing and user registration.
• 🛠️ CGI (Common Gateway Interface) was an early method for running scripts like C++ or Perl on websites.
• 🚀 Modern server-side scripting includes a variety of languages and frameworks such as PHP, Java, .NET, and Cold Fusion.
• 🔁 The process of server-side scripting involves the web server processing scripts before serving pages to the browser.
• 💾 Processing may include database interactions, calculations, or content selection for the webpage.
• 🔍 Once processed, the script's output is sent to the browser for rendering, without exposing the script to the user.
• 🔒 Server-side scripts enhance security by keeping the source code and data hidden from the end user.
• ⏱️ Server-side processing can slow down websites, especially with high traffic, requiring more server resources.
• 🔄 Dynamic page flow can be frustrating due to page refreshes needed to display new content.
• 🤝 The distinction between client-side and server-side scripting is blurring as developers integrate both for better user experiences.
• 💡 JavaScript is increasingly used for powerful client-side scripting and to control server-side scripts without page refreshes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this chapter?

The main focus of this chapter is to explore server-side technologies and scripting that are used to create dynamic websites.

What is server-side scripting?

Server-side scripting refers to any scripting or programming that runs on a web server, handling tasks such as processing forms, managing online purchases, and registering new users.

What does CGI stand for and what was its purpose?

CGI stands for Common Gateway Interface, and it was created as a way to run scripts from programming languages like C++ or Perl on websites.

How have server-side scripting technologies evolved over time?

Over time, server-side scripting technologies have evolved from CGI scripts to include a multitude of programming languages and frameworks such as PHP, Java, .NET, Cold Fusion, and others, giving developers a wider array of tools.

What is the general process for utilizing server-side scripting on a web page?

The web server first processes the server-side script when a web page containing it is requested. This can involve pulling information from a database, making calculations, or choosing content to display. Once processed, the resulting content is returned to the browser and rendered.

Why are server-side scripts hidden from the end user?

Server-side scripts are hidden from the end user because they run on the web server prior to serving the content, adding a layer of security for both the data and the source code.

What are some downsides to using server-side scripting?

Downsides to using server-side scripting include the burden of running the application on the web server instead of the client machine, which can slow down the site or require upgrading to larger or multiple servers to handle the load.

How does server-side scripting affect the user experience?

Server-side scripting can be frustrating for end users because it usually requires a page refresh to display new content, as the server must process the scripts.

What is the relationship between client-side scripting and server-side scripting in modern web development?

The terms client-side and server-side scripting are becoming nebulous as developers use JavaScript to blend the two methods together into a seamless user experience.

Why is JavaScript increasingly used for both client-side and server-side scripting?

JavaScript is increasingly used for both client-side and server-side scripting due to its versatility and the development of techniques that allow for powerful client-side interactions and server-side control without requiring page refreshes.

What advice is given to those interested in web development regarding server-side and client-side scripting?

The advice given is to focus not only on the server-side software but also on how JavaScript is being used for powerful client-side scripting and controlling server-side scripts.