1. What is a server-side scripting language, and how does it differ from a client-side scripting language?
A server-side scripting language code that is executed by a server upon the client's request. Often these languages are embedded into the HTML code. This differs from a client-side scripting language due to these languages being interpreted and executed by the browser.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of both types?
The advantages of a server-side language is that it is not dependent on the client's browser. Many Content Management Systems(CMS) are built with server side scripting languages which make them essential for creating dynamic websites. Disadvantages of server side scripting languages is that it requires a server and database to be setup on the web host. Unfortunately, this also creates security issues if developers are not mindful of security.
The advantage of client-side language is that everything runs within the browser and is not dependent on a database. However, things via the client-side are exactly that, client-side. So if the client has Javascript turned off then that client-side language will not run.
3. Give examples of commonly used server-side and client-side scripting languages.
Commonly used server-side languages are PHP, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.net.
Commonly used client-side language is Javascript with its various libraries like jQuery. Python could also be considered client side, but is not native to web browsers. Another less common language is VBScript.
4. List at least three research references at the bottom of your post that you used to help you formulate your thoughts on this topic.
