Just a quick tip for all the web designers/developers who do not really program in a scripting language (php, asp, jsp, etc) and mainly stick with HTML (client-side scripting). Assuming your server handles it, when creating your page, always use the server-side scripting (.php, .jsp, etc), and don’t use .html. Even if don’t plan on adding or perhaps never will add any server side code to your page.

Why should you do this even though you don’t actually utilize any programming on the page?

• Browsers cache pages. if a returning visitor comes back to that same page and you’ve made some changes to that page, that person may not see the change. They will only see their saved cache version. Yes there’s meta tags and tricks to try to get around it but it’s not guaranteed and not a very elegant solution. Server side scripting pages always serve up the latest content because when viewed because at each call to the page, the
• Don’t pigeon hole yourself. You never know when you may actually use some scripting on the page. If you suddenly need to add some scripting in the future, you’ll have to delete that page and create a brand new one.  Say goodbye to any links you’ve established with the client-side language pages.
• More powerful, flexible and gives you room to grow and learn. Similar to the above, it just gives you more options. Simple as that. It can also inspire you to learn some programming and more creative/advanced techniques in regards to web development.

In my opinion, creating standard client-side .html pages is basically useless nowadays and prevents your site from growing.

Special thanks to freddie.ca who inspired me to post this.

Tags: scripting, server, tips

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