Which method is best

[fat32]

Hi!
I’m working on a small dictionary containing Linux and BSD commands, and I want to build a site something like dictionary or thesaurus.com, but much more simplified. I want to write one site in pure HTML, one using Ajax, and another using MySQL database. I need to see some code for all three so I don’t continue to waste time with my scarred ideas of how-to. My knowledge don’t go beyond basic HTML/XHTML and a little PHP. Speed and security of the method on the server and its users are the most important factors to me. In addition, what would be the sure way these days to target a desktop, tablet and mobile?

There will be nothing on the webpage but a logo, an input box, send button and a placeholder for returned text. E.g., if one type cat, it will return a working example of when, where and how to use it, including most popular flags used and why.

I would greatly appreciate some examples, some ideas on which method is best to use, and/or pointers to what has already been done so I don’t have to reinvent the wheel until I figure out, how-to … such as running Ajax without the use of javascript, if not already.

BTW: this is the first forum I join since 2008

[tangor]

Determine your back end storage of data to be delivered then worry about the front end and call to data. Most likely you will wish to present to the widest audience possible which might preclude any js, or if used, will degrade to pure html.

[fat32]

Thanks for your reply tangor, it is deep, but the part about backend, I apologize for being so slow. Evidently I miss this web programmers keyword in my original post. I must been on the mark because my question actually was referring to something like a backend, but I did not know how to word it. I have my entire dictionary listed in a simple text file. This is my next try:

1) Where should I start? What should my backend be set in, sql, html, ajax or something else?

2) Or, what format should I use to make data readily acceptable to be set in, sql, html, or ajax templates without an hitch?

If those questions are still too far off base of my understanding of what a backend should be; could you tell me your approach to a backend fairly tailored to my needs? Thanks again tangor

[tangor]

You can use a flat file (text) database. You might want to look into mySQL as well. You'll have to learn the basics of using database and developing queries yourself. You'll also benefit from learning enough perl or php to assist in processing queries to the database and then return results to the user as an html result (which can be an insert on the query page itself.

[Accelerator]

1) Where should I start? What should my backend be set in, sql, html, ajax or something else?

I think if you are a beginner, then for your back end it would be easiest to use PHP/MySQL. You will find lots of examples and help for creating a MySQL database and querying it with PHP.

Modern techniques such as AJAX could potentially create a website that responds quicker, but this is a technology that is for more advanced developers really, and it won't be as easy for you to get started. You could use AJAX, but I think your learning and development time will be much longer and harder.

2) Or, what format should I use to make data readily acceptable to be set in, sql, html, or ajax templates without an hitch?

I would suggest you learn how to do Responsive HTML design. This will allow you to create an HTML template that you can style for mobile, tablet and desktop using CSS and Media Queries to determine device screen width. So, you create an HTML front end, and use PHP/MySQL back end to provide your results.

Take your text file with your dictionary, and use a PHP script to send the entries into a new MySQL database that you can use to provide your web data.

I hope that helps.