Demonstrating not only how to use commonly available tools to create dynamic webpages, this book also covers server side technologies. The aim is to show by example how to employ technologies to good effect. Features of HTML, DHTML and Javascript which produce exciting and interactive webpages are highlighted and explained. XML enables data to be handled by many different applications so that information from spreadsheets, reports, databases and CAD applications can be utilized on the Web. Bates shows ways in which the power of XML can be added to a website. Recognising that the Web is not just an environment for display and presentation, but is also used extensively for gathering information - and in a world on the brink of embracing e-commerce - for conducting transactions, technologies which send information from browser to server form an important ingredient to the book. Perl, CGI and Active Server Pages are covered and exercises and examples provided to help learn how to implement features. The Features include: well selected and up-to-date content for newly emerging course; multi-tool coverage avoids necessity of recommending a book per application; practical and hands-on guidance is always backed up by example; paced for students with some, but not extensive, programming experience; and examples are plentiful, practical and well illustrated Website provides more examples and links to useful online resources.

It is clear from the outset that Bates has alot of experience in teaching web courses and he uses it to great effect in the book as a whole. (LTSN--ICS Book Review, 18 September 2001)