CS511_Topic003

Brief Summary

This module explains the differences between static and dynamic websites. Static websites serve pre-built files, requiring minimal server processing but lacking dynamic content. Dynamic websites generate content on the server-side, allowing for personalized experiences and interactivity. Modern dynamic websites use technologies like AJAX to update content without full page reloads, improving user experience and efficiency.

• Static websites serve pre-built files with minimal server processing.
• Dynamic websites generate content on the server-side, enabling personalized experiences.
• Modern dynamic websites use AJAX for partial content updates, enhancing user experience.

Static Websites

In a static website, when a user requests a page, the server simply retrieves the corresponding file and sends it to the browser. The server's role is minimal, as it only serves pre-existing files. This approach has limitations, as it cannot provide dynamic content or personalized user experiences. Features like user logins and customized content are not possible with static websites.

Dynamic Websites

Dynamic websites generate content on the server-side. For example, a login page can display a personalized greeting like "Hi Ahmed" by processing user data. This requires server-side scripting languages like PHP to generate HTML content dynamically. In traditional dynamic websites, navigating to a new page involves a complete server-side request and content regeneration.

Modern Dynamic Websites with AJAX

Modern dynamic websites use technologies like AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) to update content without full page reloads. When a user interacts with a page, JavaScript can request specific data from the server. The server processes the request and sends back only the necessary data, which JavaScript then uses to update the page dynamically. This approach reduces server load and improves user experience by providing faster and more seamless updates. For instance, if only the username needs to be updated, only that information is requested and updated, without reloading the entire page.