What is Server-side Scripting?

In my own terms it would be defined in the following example: A user wants to search a database located on a server over the internet. The request the user makes, is transferred to a server side script such as PHP which processes the request and returns the result back to the user's browser.
Basically the information is processed on the server side of the house, as opposed to client side scripting where the processing of information is on the user's system.
From my perspective, scripts reside on the server directly, and this is where web developers or designers have the ability to create dynamic elements on web pages through the use of PHP for example.

What is Client-side Scripting?

This is where the scripting is located directly in or on the users website browser page. The client-side of the house in other words, and not the server side. The webpage responds or is altered using Javascript for example based on input from the user.

What are some common examples of server-side scripting?

ASP: Active server pages developed by Microsoft as the first server-side script engine.

PHP: A server side scripting language designed for web development, but also used as a general programming language.

Javascript (using server side Javascript): This was introduced by Netscape as an implementation of the language for server-side scripting with Netscape Enterprise Server.

Lasso: An application server and server management interface used for developing internet applications.

Other notable server side languages include: Perl, JSP, Ruby, ColdFusion, and Python.

Here are some possible uses for server-side scripting:

Processing user input
Display webpages
Interact or retrieve database information.

What are the advantages of server side scripting?

There is less load on the users computer when requesting information.
Javascript and Flash are not required on the users end.
Scripts are not rendered in the browser for the user to see, and are hidden from view.
You can create a website to utilize a content management system.

What are some disadvantages of server-side scripting?

Server-side scripting must be installed on the server.
May allow hackers to gain access to the information on the server or view code flaws.
It increases the workload of the server.

What are some common examples of client-side scripting?

Javascript: An object oriented scripting language. Javascript serves both ends to the server and client side.

Actionscript: Used to create animated interactive web applications for Adobe Flash Player.

Javascript (using server side Javascript): This was introduced by Netscape as an implementation of the language for server-side scripting with Netscape Enterprise Server.

DART: An open source web programming language that relies on a source to source compiler to javascript.

Typescript: An open source programming language developed by Microsoft.

Here are some possible uses for client-side scripting:

Data validation of forms onsite.
Showing or hiding elements on a webpage.
Displaying tooltips through the use of javascript on the client's or users side.

What are the advantages of client side scripting?

It reduces server load.
Because scripts do not require a trip to the server they execute more quickly.
The scripts respond immediately to a users actions.

What are some disadvantages of client-side scripting?

Web browsers support scripts differently, so developers need to frequently test the results.
There may be occasions where the browser may not display the results of the script in the way the author or writer intended.

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