Server-Side
vs. Client-Side
Scripting Languages
What are they and what are their differences?
What is server-
side scripting?
Server-side scripting is a method of
programming for the web that runs
software on the server rather than
the browser or installed plugins to
create dynamic web pages.
Languages used for these tasks are
normal programming languages
which include Perl, PHP, JSP,
Ruby, ColdFusion, and Python
What can server scripts do?
Customize a web page and
dynamically change its contents
Respond to queries from users or
from HTML forms
Access database and send the
information back to the browser
Advantages of
server-side
scripting
User does not need to download plugins like
Java or Flash
User can create one template for the entire
website
The site can use a content management system
which makes editing simpler.
Generally quicker to load than client-side
scripting
User is able to include external files to save
coding
Scripts are hidden from view so it’s more
secure. Users only see the HTML output.
Disadvantages of server-side
scripting
The scripts can be used by attackers
to access the server. They do this by
changing the URL to something that
takes advantage of a hole in security.
System administrators must keep all
server-side scripting updated and use
an application firewall to prevent
this.
Scripting software must be installed
on the content management system
tools in order to store the dynamic
data.
Common server-side scripting
languages
ASP/ASP.net –Active Server Pages developed by Microsoft to make
advanced web pages. Unix servers use Chillisoft ASP. Allows user to
get any .net-enabled language to program a site.
JSP/Servlets – Java Server Pages which include JSP tags mixed in
with html. Most popular language for higher level applications.
ColdFusion – Runs on top of a JSP/servlet engine. Can cost $1,299 a
server. Users can download a free “developer” edition but that is
limited to one IP address.
Server-side scripting example
ASP source: Output result
<html> Hello world!
<body>
<%
response.write("Hello World!")%>
</body>
</html>
More server-side scripting
languages
Perl – Practical Extraction and Reporting
Language, first released in 1987, is a
powerful language with advanced features.
Available for free from various scripting
directories. Supported by operating systems
UNIX, MAC OS 7-9 and
PHP or PHP Hypertext Preprocessor is an
open source language. Considered by
“standard’ choice for server side scripting in
Unix/Linux platforms.
Python- Created in 1989, it is not supported
by most web hosting companies. Although
easy to learn, there is no standard web
application framework for it.
What is client-side scripting
language?
Client-side scripts are placed within an
HTML document in the user’s web
browser rather than the web server to
allow greater interactivity in a document.
For example – client-side scripting could
check the user’s form for errors before
submitting it
Enables web pages to change content
according to user input and other
variables, including the time of day. Can
also be stored in a separate file that is
referenced to the documents that use it.
How does it work?
Usually, JavaScript code starts with Files are first sent to the user’s
the tag <script computer by the web server which
language="JavaScript"> and ends executes the script and displays the
with the tag </script>. document.
The client-side script may also
include browser directions based on
certain user functions such as
clicking buttons.
Frequently, you can see the the
source card by viewing the file that
contains the script.
Example of client-side scripting
Suppose a person completes a
form but omits information. When
they slick the submit button, an
alert box appears telling them
about the mistake.
This is JavaScript and is an
example of Client Side Scripting
because all the activity takes place
inside the browser.>
Advantages of client-side
scripting
Allows for more interactivity
Can perform actions quickly without
going to the server
May be easier to use for those whose
browsers don’t support scripts
Are available from many free
resources such as Hotscripts.com and
Javascript.com
Disadvantages of client-side
scripts
If the user’s browser is out of date, the website will not display
properly.
More quality assurance testing is required because different browsers
support scripts differently
Not secure because anyone can look at the code in the page source
Some browsers will disable the active content and tell the user they
may be harmful.
Client-side scripting language
JavaScript – Not to be confused
with Java, JavaScript client-side is
a programming language is
implemented as part of the web
browser to enhance dynamic
websites
VBScript is a programming
language that can manipulate the
document objects and the browser
So how to know which to use?
Know your audience – Be sure to know
what scripts work best with the browsers
your audience will use. JavaScript is most
compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer
and Netscape. VBScript usually just works
on Internet Explorer.
Test scripts on the browsers for both PC
and MAC users as browsers on the MACs
don’t support scripts as well as the PC
versions do.
Scripts should be tested on at least the
previous two versions of your audience’s
browser since people are slow to update their
browsers so the latest scripts may not work.
http://www.w3schools.com/web/web_scripting.asp
http://www.serverschool.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JavaScript
http://opensourcetutorials.com/Design-And-Layout/Usability/web-
widgets
http://htmlhelp.com/reference/html40/special/script.html
References
http://astahost.com/info.php/serverside-clientside_t16081.html
http://exforsys.com/tutorials/client-server/server-side-scripting.html
http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_8426161_remove-client-side-
scripting.html
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/11/coding-a-web-design-
for-speed-and-quality/
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://nas.uhcl.edu/yang/
research/webdevelopmentcourse/clientSideScripting.gif&
http://rentacomputertoday.com/tag/computer-hackers/
http://www.w3schools.com/asp/showasp.asp?filename=demo_text
http://whatismyipaddress.ricmedia.com/help/JavaScript/about/
