Server-side Programs

Dynamic web sites are driven by programs that run on the web server to make the page "live." These programs can do simple things like rotate image links on a web page, or very complex things like managing a discussion forum, a shopping cart or a content-management system.

When developing a dynamic web site, sometimes the business goal may be satisfied by installing and customizing already written programs. For many organizations, use of off-the-shelf software is not sufficient. In such cases, then programs must be written to the organization's business specifications.