Server-Side Include Site Engine

Purpose: Allow site to be modular and easily upgraded.

Elements:

• One Graphical Template File - This is a standard file that defines how the pages in the site look. Certain codes are used to import dynamic sections into the template such as user information, or the main page content [example]
• Header & Footer files - Look at the template file and extract relevant information processing it as required.
• Set-up file - This file specifies a number of options for the site such as which graphical template file should be used, and is run as part of every file. The file also connects to any databases and checks that users are allowed to view the file they are requesting. It is a very important file and is protected from direct public access. It can only be run as part of a page by the server.

Features & benefits:

The menu system is part of the graphical template file, so it can be easily changed. This change will instantly, and automatically be seen on all pages through out the site. This is the main reason for using the SSI site engine - An easily updateable site.

A new graphic template file can be created and added to the site which can be used either for a period of time, or for certain users or other predefined situations.

Should you require any additional code to be run on every page of the site, it can be added in to the set-up file which is always ruun before every page is loaded.