Why Connect Web Pages to Data Sources?
- Dynamic Content:
- Unlike static websites, dynamic websites generate content on-the-fly.
- This allows for features like user profiles, shopping carts, and live updates.
- Personalization:
- Data-driven websites can tailor content to individual users, enhancing the user experience.
- Interactivity:
- Features like forms, comments, and real-time notifications rely on data sources to function.
How Web Pages Connect to Data Sources
The connection between a web page and a data source typically involves three main components:
- Client-Side: The user's browser, which displays the web page.
- Server-Side: The web server, which processes requests and interacts with the data source.
- Data Source: Usually a database or an API that stores and manages data.
Client-Side Requests
- When a user interacts with a web page (e.g., submitting a form), the browser sends a request to the server.
- This request is often made using HTTP methods like GET or POST.
When you search for a product on an e-commerce site, your browser sends a GET request to the server, asking for products that match your query.
Server-Side Processing
- The server receives the request and determines what data is needed.
- It then interacts with the data source to retrieve or update information.
If you log in to a website, the server checks your credentials against a database to verify your identity.
Data Source Interaction
- The server communicates with the data source using queries or API calls.
- Common data sources include:
- Relational Databases: Use SQL to manage structured data.
- NoSQL Databases: Handle unstructured or semi-structured data.
- APIs: Provide access to external data or services.
