Internet users are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. They seek more interaction while online, more access to the information or products they need. Whatever the subject, there are usually thousands, or millions, of sites catering to the topic. With that much competition, you need to provide quick and easy access to whatever you have to offer.
Don't forget: your competition is just a click away.
Years ago the internet was comprised mainly of what are known as "static" web pages. Stasis is a state of equilibrium, or lack of change; therefore, a static web page doesn't change unless it is altered at the source. It is saved to the server and retrieved by the browser in the same state.
A dynamic web page is different. It does change according to actions taken by the viewer or other criteria. Through the use of programming languages specific to the internet, internet applications and script, a dynamic page can offer up different information or visual effects.
One common example of a dynamic page is one in which search results are displayed. The visitor enters information (search terms) into a form, which then returns results predicated on the user's query. The search results page is thus dynamic – its returns will differ according to user input.
There are different programming languages and simple scripts which can be used to cultivate interactivity on a web site. Without going into detail on every possibility, here are two of the coding languages SunFox uses.
This is a relatively straightforward client-side scripting language. Client-side simply means the script is processed at the user's end, not at the server. If a user's machine is set to execute such scripts, it works. Most (but not all) clients are able to process such script. Some clients (individuals or corporate firewalls) may choose to deactivate JavaScript processing, in which case care needs to be taken to ensure sites are functional without the script. Even so, when applied properly, JavaScript can be a wonderful addition to a site.
Note: the animation on the SunFox home page was created using JavaScript.PHP is a more complex, general-purpose language which involves server-side processing. It allows integration with other applications and user interaction with a web site. Although it can perform a wide range of tasks, it is especially effective when combined with the MySQL® database to create a database-driven site.
PHP is portable, non-platform specific, and open source.
The more information you have, the more difficult it is to track, maintain and cross-reference. That's where a database comes in handy. If you represent a business, chances are you will have at least one type of database for use in the business. Why not have one online?
Imagine trying to place an entire catalogue of products online. Pasting in pictures, adding descriptions to dozens or hundreds of pages. Now imagine this same catalogue existing in a database, which can be translated to a searchable online database. Each page is generated only upon request. And when a product needs to be edited, removed or replaced, it's as simple as a bit of data entry.
SunFox is a firm believer in database-driven sites for large operations, or even for smaller sites with a huge amount of information or an online catalogue.
To learn more about online databases and what they can do for your operation, visit the Database-Driven Web Sites area.