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:: Database-Driven Web Sites ::.

What exactly is a database driven web site?  What are it's applications and advantages?

Database driven web sites are all the rage nowadays.  They basically consist of a "back-end" database with web pages that contain "script" programming language capable of pulling specific information from the database depending on what the user wants to know.

One of the most common applications for a database driven web site is an e-commerce application, where a variety of information must be stored in a database, such as product information, stock numbers, prices, discounts, shipping costs, etc.  There are many other applications for database driven web sites too, such as searchable membership directories and guest books and what are called "content management systems."

Content Management Systems

Large sites can be managed (updated, revised) more easily with a content management system, which is essentially a database-driven web site that uses "dynamic" web pages that pull directly from a database.   These systems have the benefit of being easier to change the overall look of the site via Cascading Style Sheets and easier to update your content via forms that allow you to easily update your database.

What database and programming language to use

Cybermarker Web Applications are built on Microsoft Access or SQL databases and utilize Active Server Pages technology to access the databases.  You can build similar applications with many different databases or scripting languages. One very common method is to utilize the FREE mySQL database in conjunction with the PHP programming language.  Check out our related links below to find some articles on using mySQL with PHP.

Related Links