Exercise 10:Answers 7-12

7. What are the differences between HTML and DHTML?

   DHTML: Dynamic HTML. An extension of HTML that enables, among other things, the inclusion of small animations and dynamic menus in Web pages. DHTML code makes use of style sheets and JavaScript.

   DHTML sites are dynamic in nature. DHTML uses client side scripting to change variables in the presentation which affects the look and function of an otherwise static page. DHTML characteristics are the functions while a page is viewed, rather than generating a unique page with each page load (a dynamic website).

   On the other hand, HTML is static. HTML sites relies solely upon client-side technologies. This means the pages of the site do not require any special processing from the server side before they go to the browser. In other words, the pages are always the same for all visitors - static. HTML pages have no dynamic content, as in the examples above

8. Why was XHTML developed? Do you think this addresses most of the HTML weaknesses?

   According to (W3C)The Most Important Differences:

   • XHTML elements must be properly nested
   • XHTML elements must always be closed
   • XHTML elements must be in lowercase
   • XHTML documents must have one root element

9. What are the similarities between JavaScript, VBScript and ZOPE’s DTML?

   DTML is a server side scripting language, like SSI, PHP, ASP, and JSP. This means that DTML commands are executed by Zope at the server, and the result of that execution is sent to your web browser. By contrast, client-side scripting languages like Javascript are not processed by the server, but are rather sent to and executed by your web browser. (Zope)

10. What are the similarities and differences between ASP, JSP and PHP? (WebHostingLogic)
    • PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)an open source, server-side, HTML embedded scripting language used to create dynamic Web pages.
    • ASP (Active Server Pages) is a Microsoft promoted technology to enable HTML pages to be dynamic and interactive by embedding scripts, either VB Script or Jscript
    • JSP (Java Server Pages) are web-pages that include scripts that can modify a page before sending it to the user. Similar to ASP pages, but produced by Sun Microsystems
    
    (BlogPost)
    
11. What are the differences between the various approaches to scripting?

    There are two ways of scripting viz. one on the client side and the other on the server side. PHP and ASP code are server side scripting technologies. While JSP supports client side scripting.

    On Server side scripting, when a user in a website request for any services, the request goes to the server of the website and the appropriate output is displayed after the request is processed from the remote server.

    In case of client side scripting, the request is executed on the client side and the appropriate result is show with the help of script. VBScript is used for this purpose.

    (BlogPost)

12. List some of the shareware or freely available tools for web design. In addition to a good HTML editor, what utilities could be very handy to the developer?

A search on google for "free web design tools" returned 8030 results. Top of the list is www.webweaver.nu. This provides links to clipart and graphics, online tools, web design resources and tips and tricks.

There are lots of other tools available, and it would once again come down to getting the right tool for the users requirements.

What the users requirements are for developing a web site will determine what tools they need. Some basic questions to answer would be:

• Is the site going to be dynamic or static?
• Will a database be required?
• Who are the intended audience?
• How will the site be hosted?

Utilities useful to a developer include css editor, icon and graphical design tools, and web page template designers. Notepad is always handy.

References
BlogPost. Retrieved 15 June 2009, From http://www.blogger.com/feeds/4951080038221931058/posts/default
WebHostingLogic, Inc. COMPARISON OF PHP, JSP AND ASP. Retrieved 15 June 2009, from https://www.webhostinglogic.com/support/support-topics/php-jsp-asp.html
WikiAnswers.com. What is the difference between HTML and DHTML?. Retrieved 7 June 2009, from http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_HTML_and_DHTML
W3C. Differnces Between XHTML and HTML. Retrieved 7 June 2009, from http://www.w3schools.com/XHTML/xhtml_html.asp
Zope. Chapter 4: Dynamic Content with DTML. Retrieved 15 June 2009, from http://www.zope.org/Documentation/Books/ZopeBook/2_5_edition/DTML.stx