ASP: The Beginning
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ASP stands for Active Server Pages and is a Microsoft Technology that allows you to create dynamic web pages, interactive content, and seamless database connections. In this series of tutorials we will learn to use it to create a series of websites from the simple to the complex. There is a lot of ground to cover, so let's get started.
But before we do, I am going to make a few assumptions:
You have at least a basic understanding of HTML.
You are aware of the existence of XHTML.
You have some knowledge of a scripting language such as JavaScript or VBScript.
You have a text editor such as the handy-dandy Notepad File.
You have access to a host that supports ASP or
You have IIS installed on your computer.
If you said yes to all of these, then carry on my wayward son. If not, lay your weary head to rest and don't you cry no more. Go learn 'em and come back. What are you waiting for? The whole class is waiting. And don't forget to share that pizza.
Let's go ahead and dive right in:
Syntax
ASP files consist of HTML tags, and server scripts, which can contain a variety of of expressions, procedures, operators, and statements. The default language for ASP is VBScript. It does support JavaScript (and Microsoft's Jscript), as well as languages like PERL and PYTHON, but for any language outside of VBScript and Jscript you will need to install the appropriate script engines for them. For the purposes of this tutorial we will be using VBScript.
Our First Program
Traditionally, the old stand-by “Hello World” program is used to introduce newbie programmers to the world of, well...programming. Similar to how guitarists and bassists are forced to learn Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple. Well if you have read my previous articles you know my complete disdain for this practice. Disdain I say!
<html>
<body>
<%
response.write(“My name is James, conqueror of your Puny World! ALL HAIL HIS MIGHTINESS!”)
%>
</body>
</html>
This will print the text below to your browser:
My name is James, conqueror of your Puny World! ALL HAIL HIS MIGHTINESS!
You could also accomplish the same with this code:
<html>
<body>
<%=“My name is James, conqueror of your Puny World! ALL HAIL HIS MIGHTINESS!”%>
</body>
</html>
Next: Variables >>
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