ASP

text size AAA Published December 26, 2011

Overview

Active server pages (ASP) refers to a scripting tool that web developers use to create dynamic web pages on the Internet. Web pages are created by embedding ASP codes into HTML files by using special tags. An ASP file is identifiable by its corresponding extension, .asp. You can write ASP using VBScript and JScript, which is Microsoft's version of JavaScript. You need a web server to run ASP, so you can't just open an ASP page in a web browser. ASP can be used for web pages that require logins, transactions, or exchange of information. For example, ASP enables viewers to connect to a Microsoft Access database through a web browser. A server will process ASP before the browser reveals the page to the user.

ASP was introduced to simplify processes previously involved Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripting. Like ASP, CGI is used to facilitate interactions between applications and web servers. With ASP, these applications can be merged to streamline the scripting process. ASP can perform many of the same functions as JavaScript. While ASP runs on the server, JavaScript can run within a web browser. ASP does not require extensive server side programming, so functions can be processed quickly.

ASP development tools range in cost. Some are available for free, while others range in cost from $99 to $499. Companies will offer trials and promotional offers. If you have a specific project, you may wish to hire a consultant or software developer. Depending on the project, a software developer could cost thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

You should also make sure that your server is capable of running ASP. Some providers will charge a fee for this enhanced technology.

Benefits

The major benefit of ASP software is that your website content remains separate from your webpage scripting. For example, if your website links to a database you can modify your data independently from your website code. You can also use ASP to ensure that your visitor if viewing content exactly as you want them to. In many instances, people run outdated software, or their browser might be set to unusual settings. ASP ensures that the webmaster can control how a page is displayed or viewed. ASP also keeps a website secure by regulating how data can be accessed over a server. Web developers can also use ASP to create interactive sessions with users. For example, you can use ASP to develop cookies, which keep a log of what a user did previously on a website. Cookies remember a user, and if a website permits, that user can save themes. Through cookies, web developers can optimize their online advertising strategies.

ASP software is easy to learn especially for those who are already well versed with Java, Visual Basic, and C. Overall, ASP software is fast and powerful.

How It Works

ASP works in conjunction with HTML. Developers begin scripting in HTML and then upload their ASP script to a web server. Once activated, websites can be viewed through a web browser. You can program ASP to document when server side errors occur. You can program ASP through VBScript, JavaScript, and Perl Script.