Website design 109

Dynamic data and website security

While many web pages only display static content the majority of larger, more functional sites use dynamic, data driven components. Static pages are written using HTML and their content is contained entirely within that code. Dynamic pages include content sourced from elsewhere, usually a database. In this case the HTML code is supplemented with additional languages which the web server understands and uses to interact with the database. Once this interaction is complete the web server converts the resulting code to standard HTML for display in the visitors web browser.

The advantages of dynamic sites are many. Let's say a web page is selling John's Dog Food at a certain price and later that day the price changes. On a static page sales would amend the price in the sales database and the webmaster would amend the price on the web page. In a dynamic scenario the web page could display the price as listed in the sales database so as soon as sales amend the database it would be reflected on the web page.

Another reason for sourcing information from outside of the web page is content management. Maintenance of the site can be handed over to non-technical users who can update, create or remove content within pre-defined boundaries. For example, a user with low-level maintenance privileges may be given the ability to change product descriptions on a site but not prices, where as an administration-level user may be entitled to remove pages completely or create new pages using pre-defined templates.

There are a number of languages available that can provide dynamic web capabilities. The most popular choices are Microsoft Active Server Pages (.asp), Macromedia Cold Fusion (.cfm) and Apache Personal Home Page (now known as PHP Hypertext Preprocessor) (.php). The most popular databases that the languages interact with are Oracle, MS SQL Server and MySQL. If your site will ultimately be dynamic it's wise to use a popular combination of language and database as this will make long term maintenance easier. Your choice of languages may also effect hosting options and costs as not all web hosting providers offer all choices.

The security of a users information is paramount. When private information is passed back and forth between visitor and server, for example address or credit card details, measures must be taken to keep this information private and secure. A technique called Secure Socket Layers (SSL - originally developed by Netscape) is used for this and works by encrypting the data flow between server and browser (sometimes referred to as client). When a web address is preceded by https:// as oppose to http:// this indicates a secure, encrypted page. One downside to SSL encryption is the increased load placed on the server which for the user often translates to a speed decrease. SSL relies on having a certificate installed on the web server and where encryption is required a new certificate will need to be purchased and installed. Alternatively, some hosts provide access to pre-configured secure servers for client use.

Tip 7: Consider using a dynamic data-driven technology and ensure the security of users information.

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Mighty Media are a full service multimedia company and have employed an in-house team of website designers since 1997. Our practical, marketing oriented approach to website design has resulted in numerous site launches that succeed in driving qualified, targetted leads to our client's businesses.

Mighty Media is regarded as one of the premier Buckinghamshire website design agencies with a track record in corporate communications that forms the underlying foundation of their work.

Established for over 25 years, Mighty Media began making TV commercials and later diversified into the corporate video production sector working with household names such as Procter & Gamble, Mars, Nationwide Building Society and other familiar names. With a strong background in internal and external communications Mighty Media progressed into new media production. Mighty Media now specialise in CD-Rom design and production, e-learning solutions, intranet design, extranet design, video production and website design.

Based in Bourne End on the border of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Mighty Media now provide website design and online marketing services to businesses from all over the UK.

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