Server-Side Scripting

Server-side scripting is a technique used in web development which involves employing scripts on a web server which produce a response customized for each user's (client's) request to the website. Scripts can be written in any of a number of server-side scripting languages that are available. Server-side scripting is distinguished from client-side scripting where embedded scripts, such as JavaScript, are run client-side in a web browser, but both techniques are often used together.

This course comprises 14 lessons on server-side scripting. Each lesson includes a combination of Wikipedia and Internet-based readings, YouTube videos, and hands-on, interactive learning activities. Examples are provided using a variety of server-side scripting languages.

Most server-side scripting environments support two approaches. One is to use some type of HTML template file with script code interspersed to generate variable data. The other is to use code to generate all HTML results. This course introduces template files, but many of the examples follow the code generation approach to focus on server-side scripting concepts.

Preparation

This is a third-semester, college-level course. Learners should already be familiar with introductory web development concepts, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript programming. Database management experience is necessary toward the end of the course.

Lessons

1. Introduction
2. Routes and Templates
3. Requests
4. Iteration
5. Strings and Files
6. Arrays
7. Associative Arrays
8. Internet Data
9. SQL Databases
10. Document Databases
11. Key-Value Databases
12. Cookies and Sessions
13. REST API
14. Testing

See Also

• Internet Fundamentals
• JavaScript Programming
• Database Management
• Wikipedia: Server-side scripting

Bibliography

• Gosselin, D., et al. (2011). PHP Programming with MySQL, 2nd Edition. Cengage. ISBN 978-0538745840