Scripting and Databases
The web has now developed beyond where a site consists solely of static pages linked together. More and more, visitors expect exciting pages where content is frequently updated, they interact with the site and are presented with a unique user experience.
The use of additional programming (server-side scripting) coupled with a database allows a web site to be dynamic and contain real time information.
A wide range of functionality can be incorporated:
- User authorisation and personalisation of the available content
- An administration interface for management of site content (CMS)
- Web-based email, enquiry forms and auto-responders
- Mailing list managers
- Document generation (including PDFs)
- Dynamically generated images (eg graphs)
- Booking and availability calendars
Web services
With the evolution of Internet technology many third party companies offer methods for web sites to enhance their capabilities. This additional functionality is accessed via web services or an API (Application Programmer Interface)
Typical examples of web services include:
- A translation tool to display your site in different languages automatically.
- Use a search engine to provide visitors with a means of searching from within your web site.
