Introduction to Scripting Languages

It is safe to say that scripting languages play a tremendous role in powering the web.  Aside from having the ability to create web pages, these scripts are able to create entire applications as well.  In this article we will introduce you to the wonderful world of scripting and explain why these languages are so important.

The Purpose of Scripting Languages

Though very advanced, a computer cannot comprehend the commands of human speech.  For example, you just can’t speak aloud and tell the computer to open your MS Word application.  With scripting languages, the machine is able to follow commands and perform specific tasks.  While they all have the same basic functions, there are many scripting languages available, most of which have different capabilities.  Because the JavaScript language is event-driven, it typically waits for events to occur before taking action.  This script is most often used to create pop-up windows and web forms.  Another unique feature of JavaScript is its ability to change images when moving the mouse over them, similar to desktop scripting languages which are in the client-side genre as well.

Server-Side Scripting Languages

In general, client-side scripts are pretty much like any scripting language that uses other programs as interpreters.  With server-side scripting, the interpreter is located within a high capacity computer more commonly known as a server.  The interpreter inside of the server reads the scripting code and translates it to HTML so that it can read by a web browser which then displays the appropriate content on the user’s screen.  Some of the most widely used server-side scripts today are PHP, Perl and ASP to name a few.

Some languages have a wide range of purposes though most are primarily used to generate dynamic web pages that can interact with the visitor.  This dynamic form could be something as simple as one page letting a user know they are using the Firefox browser then giving a different notification when someone is browsing with Internet Explorer.  This is rather basic, though many scripting languages are capable of much more.  To give you an idea, some scripts are able to create web forms, shopping carts and blogging applications.

While training yourself on scripting languages, it is important to know that a script such as PHP is very different from HTML.  When used alone, HTML does not have the power to create dynamic web pages, giving it the label of a static programming language that simply forms the structure and at times, the styling as well.

Choosing the Right Language

The best way to decide on a script for your site is to first determine exactly what it can do.  You are more likely to get more use out of a server-side script such as PHP or Perl.  These are multi-purpose solutions that have a wide range of uses.  Best of all, they are open-source, meaning any provider offering them is likely to be cheaper.  Open-source scripts also tend to have a greater level of support than commercial solutions such as ASP and ASP.NET.

Share this article:

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Dec 05, 2008 : Scripting No responses yet

A Closer Look at Windows Hosting

Most of us recognize Windows as the Microsoft-branded operating system that has become the standard for use in both home and business environments.  For many, it is the only system we know.  Aside from being an end-user platform, Windows is also prevalent in web hosting and has quickly become a preferred option for many.  Windows introduced a number of web developing tools that have gained momentum and become standards in the industry, making it an attractive setting for creating websites.

IIS

IIS (Internet Information Server) is the base technology behind modern Windows hosting.  IIS is a group of internet servers which includes both an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server and an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server.  It has additional capabilities to support Windows NT and 2000 server operating systems.  IIS consists of numerous programs designed for creating and administering websites with solid support for database management.  Of course, IIS is tightly integrated with Windows NT and 2000 servers which results in the more efficient serving of web pages.

Hosting with Windows

Even if you run the Linux operating system on your computer, you can still choose to host your site on a Windows server.  However, if you plan to implement Microsoft technologies such ASP and FrontPage, a Windows operating system is recommended.  The same holds true for Windows databases such as Microsoft Access and MSSQL.  While adjustments can be made to suit both environments, this is something that can prove to be time consuming and expensive.

Aside from it’s own technologies such as ASP and ASP.NET, Windows hosting supports a number of other scripts as well.  CGI scripts and PHP can also be used to enhance the presence and functionality of your site.  There are also a number of programs and object-oriented code that can be implemented into Windows hosting.  The price for these components range from free to rather expensive.  The good thing as that several developers cater to the Windows environment and offer affordable products and services.

Finding a Provider

Web-based hosting should come with solid support by a trained staff capable of handling all the issues that may arise on the server.  You can actually look for these credentials as a company may have acceptable certifications from the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) or the MCSE. (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers).  The MSCA provides certification from an administrative aspect, cover areas such as the management of complex computing environments.  MCSE certification covers the planning, development and implementation of Windows server solutions and infrastructures.

When searching for a Windows provider, your main concern should be the foundation of the company itself, not the Microsoft product.  You need to conduct research and find a reliable business who is likely to provide quality service over a great length of time.  The web hosting business is a prominent industry and many companies fail and crumble every year.  As with any hosting platform, you should find out about their customer support and security, their method of connecting to the internet, uptime and features.  All of these elements are crucial to the establishment of your website.

Share this article:

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Aug 06, 2008 : General Windows Web Hosting No responses yet

ASP Hosting and Dot Net

Introduction to ASP Dot Net

ASP Dot Net is a technology that is utilized for creating a web site. ASP means Active Server Pages and Microsoft provides this technology for free. ASP allows one to merge script commands, HTML pages and dot com components for creating easily modifiable web applications or interactive web pages. The web programmers can produce dynamic and powerful web applications with the help of ASP hosting and Dot Net. The ASP Dot Net can create all types of web applications- from small scale, personal websites to large scale, enterprise class or corporate web sites.

One needs to have dot net framework and visual web developer for ASP hosting. ASP Dot Net has wide applications and provides handy solutions to the users. There are many major companies and corporations throughout the world using the ASP hosting and Dot Net technology to provide better and quicker services to the customers. These include DELL.com, MySpace.com, Match.com, Monster.com, Costco.com, HSN.com, NHS.com and LondonStockExchange.com and so on.

Development of ASP Hosting

The companies can develop customized solutions for web applications using the popular ASP hosting technology. The ASP hosting can be done very easily. One needs to start by developing fresh database and the code for accessing the data. After this, create a task page that will display and update the contents of the database. Then one can add on AJAX feature for additional functionality so that the application becomes more user friendly. ASP dot net technology allows the building up of web pages that use far lesser codes and these web pages function in all types of browsers. This technology develops dynamic and powerful web based applications. ASP dot net applications can be authored in C+ language and other dot net compatible languages.

Advantages of ASP Hosting and Dot Net

ASP hosting and dot net has numerous advantages, the most obvious being that it is very easy to use. The web applications can be built very easily with lesser codes. The scripting environment of the server side helps in creation and functioning of interactive and dynamic web server applications. ASP hosting and dot net technology successfully combines productivity along with performance, operations and reliability.

The performance is enhanced due to faster binding, timely compilation, maximum native optimization and caching of services. The applications of ASP dot net technology offer better security as they function by utilizing configuration files of simple text. Passwords can be easily stored in the form of SHA1 Hash and MD5 values. The ASP dot net technology gives more options regarding better caching of web pages. It also allows easier handling and implementation of   controls of the HTML, web server and validation.
ASP hosting and dot net technology can develop compiled customized controls for easily achieving business objectives. The operations become faster, logic and design can be separated effortlessly and source code is secured safely. With ASP hosting, one can get improved scalability and better debugging. ASP dot net can isolate and destroy bad code. There are numerous companies that offer ASP hosting services at affordable prices.

Share this article:

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Apr 24, 2008 : Scripting No responses yet