Choosing a Database for Your Web Site

by John Paul Ashenfelter

The knowledge you need to select the right database solution for your Web site and the skills to make it happen Choosing a Database for Your Web Site Expert John Paul Ashenfelter begins with a refresher course on database technology and design basics. He then appraises the major types of Web database tools and applications, describes how they work, explains how they can be used to provide an array of services, and outlines criteria for choosing the right one for your site (and your budget). Next, he reviews a broad range of database products for every purpose and budget,
* Desktop database tools with Web publishing capabilities such as Microsoft Access and Claris FileMaker Pro
* HTML editors with database capabilities, including Microsoft FrontPage, NetObjects Fusion, and Allaire Homesite
* Server-based database applications like Allaire Cold Fusion, Microsoft Active Server Pages, and Everyware Tango
* Programming tools for creating Web database applications from scratch, including CGI with Perl and Java-based tools
The final section of the book ties it all together with case studies that show how the techniques and issues discussed in the book impact three real-world Web sites. The companion Web site
* Links to demo versions of products described in the book
* All the code from the book
* A regularly updated list of books, Web sites, and other valuable resources

443 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 1998

Reviews

[Sean Sexton · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you look into web site construction and development, you quickly find a bewildering array of tools and techniques for constructing web pages. Even sticking with a single vendor, like Microsoft, you have various technologies and tools to choose from (Microsoft FrontPage, HTML, Microsoft Vizact, Active Server Pages). Ashenfelter's book is a nice survey of the various technologies that are out there, including pros and cons for each tool. One nice thing that Ashenfelter does is to assess each tool in terms of the scope/size of the web site that it makes sense to use the tool for. He also evaluates each tool in terms of Purpose, Technology (Ease of Learning, Ease of Use, Robustness, Scalability, Compatibility, Security, et. al.), and Support (Portability, Cost, etc).

All in all this book is a nice gentle introduction to the families of tools out there for web construction.