Server-side scripting
Server-side scripting is a technique used in web development which involves employing scripts on a web server which produce a response customized for each user's (client's) request to the website.
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Description
Many different server-side scripting languages exist, some general-purpose, some with specialized purposes.
Popular languages include:
Server-side scripting is often used to provide a customized interface for the user. These scripts may assemble client characteristics for use in customizing the response based on those characteristics, the user's requirements, access rights, etc.
Server-side scripting also enables the website owner to hide the source code that generates the interface.
Static web pages
The alternative is for the web server to deliver a static web page -- a single file that the source code for the page.
Disadvantages
A down-side to the use of server-side scripting is that the client needs to make further requests over the network to the server in order to show new information to the user via the web browser.
These requests can:
- Slow down the experience for the user
- Place more load on the server (and load means money because server activity uses electricity and other resources)
- Prevent use of the application when the user is disconnected from the server
Client-side scripting
By contrast, in client-side scripting, embedded scripts -- notably JavaScript -- are run client-side in the user's web browser.
Server-side and client-side techniques may be used together in a coordinated manner.
See also
- ASP.NET
- Client-side scripting
- JavaServer Pages
- PHP
- Python (programming language)
- Server-side
- Web development
- Web server
External links
- Server-side scripting @ Wikipedia
