Selecting the Best
Web Design Language for Your Project
If you'd like
to create and publish your own web site on the Internet, your first step
should be to decide what type of web site you would like to create and what
web design language you would like to use.
Although there are several web design languages to choose from, make sure
you take some time to research your options to ensure you're making the best
choice for your project.
Hypertext
Markup Language (HTML)
The easiest and
most popular web design language is Hypertext Markup Language, better known
as HTML. This language is so simple you can type the syntax into a text editor,
such as Notepad, save it with an .html extension and instantly have a web
page.
You can learn more about HTML here:
http://www.w3schools.com/html/
Although HTML will enable you to create simple web sites, if you want something
more dynamic, you'll need to look into using other languages:
PHP: Hypertext
Preprocessor (PHP)
PHP: Hypertext
Preprocessor, better known as PHP, is a highly popular, server-side scripting
language that can be embedded directly into HTML coding.
PHP can do anything that CGI (Common Gateway Interface) can do, such as process
form data and auto generate dynamic content. However, PHP can do much more.
It can be used on all major operating systems and supports most web
servers.
PHP's main focus is development for the web, so it has a quick development
time and can solve scenarios much quicker than some of the other web design
languages.
You can learn more about PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor here:
http://www.php.net/
ColdFusion
ColdFusion, developed
by Macromedia, is used to build and serve web pages. It consists of ColdFusion
Studio, which is used to create web pages, and ColdFusion Server, which is
used to display the web pages.
One of the best features of ColdFusion is the ability to create web pages
'on the fly' from content stored within a database.
For example, a variety of content can be placed within a database as 'pieces
of content.' When a user types in the web address to retrieve the web page,
ColdFusion dynamically develops the pages, from the 'pieces of content,'
as they are served.
Although it is very reliable, ColdFusion may be better suited for larger
companies rather than individuals, as it is fairly expensive.
You can learn more about ColdFusion here:
http://macromedia.com/support/coldfusion/tutorial_index.html
Java Server
Pages (JSP)
Java Server Pages,
also known as JSP, is a web design language developed by Sun Microsystems.
It is used to control web page content via servlets, which are little programs
that run on a web server. These servlets modify the web page on the server
prior to it being displayed within a web browser.
The JSP technology enables you to combine regular, static HTML with dynamically
generated HTML.
You can learn more about Java Server Pages here:
http://java.sun.com/products/jsp/docs.html
Active Server
Pages (ASP)
Active Server
Pages, also known as ASP, is Microsoft's solution to dynamic, interactive
web pages.
Active Server Pages are web pages that contain scripts in addition to the
standard HTML tags. These scripts are processed prior to a web page being
displayed within a web browser.
Unlike standard HTML pages that have an .html or .htm extension, Active Server
Pages have an .asp extension.
An advantage of ASP is that it is language-independent and therefore is easy
to use across all platforms and applications. It is very flexible and powerful,
yet some people don't like it merely because it is a Microsoft product.
You can learn more about Active Server Pages here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/dnasp/html/asptutorial.asp
Conclusion
With so many
different web design languages to choose from, which is the best language
for your project? That will depend on your web site needs and how much time
and/or money you're willing to invest.
If you want a simple web site with text and images, HTML is definitely the
way to go. Not only is it easy to learn, but there are also many HTML editors
available online that will write the code for you.
Although HTML is usually the right choice for most, if you'd like your web
site to be dynamic, you will need to research some of the other languages
until you find the best solution for your project.
Take your time and do your homework before you begin. If you don't feel confident
in your ability to create your own web site, hire a professional. It will
save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
Copyright © Shelley
Lowery
2005-2008
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is a successful well-known Internet Marketer and the
owner of several successful sites, including
www.Web-Source.net. Would you like
an easier way to make money online without having to design your own site?
Learn how to easily generate thousands of dollars every month with this secret
residual income system on complete autopilot. Visit:
www.ResidualIncomeOpportunitySecrets.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
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