Web Site Programming Languages and Technologies:

HTML, XML, DHTML (Dynamic HTML)

The World Wide Web is composed primarily of HTML documents transmitted from a Web server to a Web browser using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). However, HTTP can be used to serve images, sound, and other content in addition to HTML.

HTML (HyperText Markup Language), is the predominant markup language for web pages. It provides a means to describe the structure of text-based information in a document — by denoting certain text as links, headings, paragraphs, lists, and so on — and to supplement that text with interactive forms, embedded images, and other objects.

back to top

ASP and PHP

ASP and PHP provide customization and interactivity, such as collecting data from visitors or displaying account information.

ASP (Active Server Pages) is a Microsoft server-side script engine for dynamically-generated web pages.

PHP is a widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML.

back to top

JavaScript, AJAX, and DHTML (DYNAMIC HTML)

All three of these languages allow for greater usability and personalization of your visitor's experience.

JavaScript (not to be confused with Java) is a scripting language most often used for client-side web development. JavaScript is used for simple site functionality such as making sure users have filled out forms correctly, pop up windows (the helpful kind, not the ads), and some kinds of animation.

Ajax is a group of inter-related web development techniques used for creating interactive web applications. A primary characteristic is the increased responsiveness and interactivity of web pages achieved by exchanging small amounts of data with the server "behind the scenes" so that entire web pages do not have to be reloaded each time there is a need to fetch data from the server. This is intended to increase the web page's interactivity, speed, functionality and usability.

Dynamic HTML or DHTML is a collection of technologies used together to create interactive and animated web sites by using a combination of HTML, JavaScript, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and the Document Object Model.

back to top

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) lets you easily control the look of your entire web site from a central file. As the CSS is one file, it is easily and quickly modified, saving time with ongoing updates and management of your site.

back to top

Macromedia Flash and Director

Flash allows for interactive menus, animated presentations, and interactive tools. However, we recommend not placing a Flash animated intro. Statistics show that visitors don’t want to watch it so you might as well save your money. Also, a site done entirely in Flash is usually a nuisance - it does not allow visitors to navigate through your site as they wish, nor find the information they want quickly. That said, there are many uses for Flash that do enhance the user's experience.

back to top