Document
Dynamic Web Pages
Jin Wu
INF 385E Information Architecture
School of Information
11/2/2006
Overview
• Background
• Java Script (definition, usage, application, pros & cons)
• Flash (definition, usage, application, pros & cons)
• Conclusion
• Resources & References
• Questions
Background
• Definition (custom content based)
• Invented and patented in 1994
• Client-side dynamic content (user’s computer)
• Server-side dynamic content (server)
JavaScript
Background
• Developed by Brendan Eich of
Netscape Corporation in 1995
• Java and JavaScript
• Created for non-programmer
• Simple to comprehend, easy to use for non-programmer
What is JavaScript?
• Scripting language
• Consists of executable computer code
• Embedded directly into HTML code
• Adds interactivity to HTML pages
• Everyone can use
JavaScript Usage
• Gives designers a programming tool
• Puts dynamic text into an HTML page
• Reacts to events
• Reads and writes HTML elements
• Validates data
• Detects the visitor’s browser
• Creates cookies
JavaScript Application
• JavaScript Alert
• JavaScript MouseOver Effect
• JavaScript Cookie
• JavaScript Pull Down Menu
• JavaScript Automatic Pop-up window
• … …
Sample Script
Pros
• Speed
• Simplicity
• Versatility
• Server load
Cons
•Security
•Reliance on end user.
Flash
Background
• Created by Macromedia in 1996, current Flash Version 8.0
• Combines text, pictures, audio and video
• .swf and .fla format
• Software: Adobe Flash, Swift 3D,
Koolmoves, Flash Optimizer …
What is Flash?
• Multimedia graphic program
• Create interactive animation on the
Web
• Use vector graphics
• Easy to learn
Flash Application
• Flash Website
• Flash Navigation
• Photo Gallery
• Flash Game
• Flash Advertisement
• … …
Embedded with HTM
Pros
• Catchy
• Widely used.
• Supports audio, animation and advanced interactivity
• Integrates well with other Web technologies
• No programming skill required
Cons
• Increases file size
• Usability Constrains
• Search engine constrains
• Encourages design abuse
• Distracts from a site’s core values
Conclusion
• Content is important
• Make the website usable and useful
• Not the be-all end-all of the internet
• Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should do it.
Resources
• JavaScript Tutorial http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp
http://www.webteacher.com/javascript/
• JavaScript Example http://www.bodo.com/javacool.htm
• Flash Tutorial http://www.w3schools.com/flash/default.asp
http://www.echoecho.com/flash.htm
• Flash Example http://www.bestflashanimationsite.com/
References
• http://www.answers.com/topic/dynamic-web-page
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_script
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Flash
• http://www.w3schools.com/js/default.asp
• http://www.w3schools.com/flash/default.asp
• http://www.bodo.com/j3.htm
• http://www.bodo.com/j5.htm
• http://www.bodo.com/j15a.htm
• http://www.bodo.com/j18.htm
• http://www.bodo.com/j20.htm
• http://www.evolve-capital.com/
• http://www.750mph.com/main.php
• http://www.artcoup.com/movie.html
• http://www.novelgames.com/flashgames/game.php?id=
22
• http://www.target.com/gp/homepage.html
• http://www.mediacollege.com/internet/javascript/proscons.html
• http://www.webpronews.com/webdevelopment/sitedesig n/wpn-26-20040219FlashWebDesignProsandCons.html
• http://www.hyperwrite.com/aspscripts/framer.asp?target= features/flashproscons.htm