simple questions about shtml....

shtml beginner?

[estebones]

So I can uderstand that with shtml you can basically break up pages with shtml on order to have some dynamic contnent within your web pages.

This much I have just recetly found out(.shtml noob like no other) but I do have some questions that I would like answered and may be some of you can help me.

Intro:
My client wants me to create a small database but he doesnt want to use any server side scripting or for out the cash for it. I have done it in flash but I would like top try my hands at doing it on shtml.

1. So I can create the top.html and the bottom.html..this would basically be my static content right? yes/no?

2. The middle part(content.html) would be different medications, side effects and common medicinal uses..only one would have to come up at a time, and it would be chosen from a page very primitive search.

3. Once I get to the final point of the search and the link is ready to go, how can I link the shtml page so that my static contnent(top.html, bottom.html) comes up while bringing the linked (content1.html) portion that my link would point to?

4. So I have to link to the .html page? pr to the content1.html? of is there certain attributes to the shtml page that would define the content that is to be displayed?....

I hope I have not confused anyone here? and any help would be greatly appreciated.
--esteban

[isitreal]

If you are looking at doing even simple stuff like searches, you should think about using a scripting language like PHP, it will give you room to grow as you learn more, unlike SHTML, which is extremely limited in its functionality. SHTML is good for doing simple things like including a static element of the page, headers footers etc.

PHP will allow you to grow the functionality of the site as your skills improve, it's very easy to learn, it's got a very nice learning curve, which means you can get stuff up and running almost immediately.

[HelenDev]

shtml basically means that you can break your page up into include files, which makes it quicker and easier to update the site.

However, I don't think shtml on it's own will give you any database functionality. As isitreal says, it would be best to use something like php, and if your boss/client is worried about spending money, php and mysql are free.

[estebones]

well pesonally i have been wanting to get into .php but I have yet to find a book that interests me much, i am more of a visual learner and book just dont quite cut it for me....

Also I like the visual quickstart guide book so I'll try and give it a look to see of they offer this.
thanks.

--esteban