Inside This Web site

This Web site runs in a Microsoft Windows Standard 2003 environment using basic ASP scripts. The rationale was to demonstrate the site in a common Web environment (Windows) using basic coding techniques (ASP scripts) that most Webmasters would understand and be able to implement. Obviously, an XML-based Web site can be operated in a variety of environments using different coding techniques. The Center for Technology in Government's Web site, for example, is completely XML-based, contains over 10,000 pages, and runs in an Open Source environment using Linux, Apache, and the Cocoon Web development framework.

Of course, one can implement an XML-based Web site using other methods and coding techniques. But for now, it seemed helpful to show how this site is put together. Since it cannot be done by simply viewing and copying the HTML source, this section of the Web site will look inside to reveal the ASP, XML and XSL that produces the HTML (and samples for other environments will be provided as well).

>> Download zipped files of all files used in this Web site (ASP Using VBScript version)
>> Download zipped files of all files used in this Web site (ASP.NET Using C# version)
>> Download zipped files of all files used in this Web site (PHP version)
>> Download zipped files of all files used in this Web site (JSP version)
>> Download zipped files of all files used in this Web site (Java Filter version)
>> Download zipped files of all files used in this Web site (ColdFusion version)

Directory and File Structure

See a diagram and brief explanation of the underlying directory and file structure that assists in the maintenance of the site.

One Script to Manage the Site

Less than 100 lines of commented code (ASP using VBScript) controls all the navigation and HTML page displays within the site. Similar scripts are also provided for ASP using C#, PHP, JSP, Java Filters, and ColdFusion.

Two XSL Files to Produce All the HTML Pages

One XSL file produces the HTML for the home page and all the top level pages; another XSL file produces the HTML for all the second-level pages. That's true now for the approximately 20 HTML pages on the site, and it will be true if that grows to 100 or 1,000 HTML pages. See how it's done and what it means.